Tennessee Warbler vs Cape May Warbler

In short

The Cape May Warbler is distinguished by its yellow breast streaked with black, yellow rump, and chestnut ear-patches, while the Tennessee Warbler lacks these bold markings. Both species can appear similar in size and shape, but their plumage differences are key for identification.

Identification tips

1. Look for the Cape May Warbler's yellow breast with black streaks and chestnut ear-patches. 2. Note the yellow rump on the Cape May Warbler, absent in the Tennessee Warbler. 3. Be cautious with females and immatures, as they may be less boldly colored but still show the key plumage differences.

Plumage

The Cape May Warbler features a yellow breast with black streaks, a yellow rump, and chestnut ear-patches. In contrast, the Tennessee Warbler does not have these distinctive streaks or ear-patches, presenting a more uniform appearance.