Cape May Warbler vs Northern Parula

In short

The Cape May Warbler and Northern Parula can be distinguished by plumage and habitat preferences. The Cape May Warbler has a distinctive yellow breast streaked with black and chestnut ear-patches, while the Northern Parula features a blue-gray back with a greenish patch and a yellow throat. Both species are small, active warblers, but they favor different habitats during migration and breeding.

Identification tips

• Cape May Warbler: Look for the yellow breast with black streaks and chestnut ear-patches. Check for white wing-patches.
• Northern Parula: Note the blue-gray back with a greenish patch and yellow throat. Listen for the rising buzzy trill.
• Consider habitat: Cape May prefers coniferous forests, Northern Parula favors mixed forests with moss.

Size

Both species are small warblers, but the Northern Parula is slightly smaller and more compact.

Plumage

The Cape May Warbler has a yellow breast streaked with black, a yellow rump, white wing-patches, and chestnut ear-patches. Females and immatures are less boldly colored. The Northern Parula has a blue-gray back with a greenish patch, a yellow throat, and a white belly. It also features two white wing bars.

Behaviour

Both species are active foragers, but the Cape May Warbler is known for its specialized feeding on spruce budworms.

Habitat

The Cape May Warbler is often found in coniferous forests, especially during spruce budworm outbreaks, while the Northern Parula prefers deciduous or mixed forests with abundant moss and lichen.

Voice

The Northern Parula's song is a distinctive rising buzzy trill, while the Cape May Warbler's song is a high-pitched, thin series of notes. Vocalizations can be helpful in distinguishing these species.