Where’s Wildlife · Bird Field Guide
Black-and-white Warbler
Mniotilta varia
Pronounced (approx.): nye-oh-TIL-tuh VAIR-ee-uh
Unlike many warblers, it often searches bark on trunks and larger branches.
Three Identification Clues
Strong black-and-white stripes across the head and body.
Two pale wing bars and a slender, slightly curved bill.
Often creeps along branches and trunks; females have a paler face and throat than adult males.
Field Photographs
Showing 8 of 8 photographs.
Beyond the first impression
Plumage & Identification
The face varies with age and sex
Adult males have a dark cheek patch and stronger black markings below. Females and young birds often show a grayish cheek, white throat, and softer streaking; some have a buff tint on the sides. Two broad white wingbars and spots on the feathers beneath the tail provide additional clues. [1]
A warbler that behaves like a bark climber
Watch its long, slightly curved bill as it investigates trunks and substantial branches. The combination of striped plumage and bark-creeping behavior is more useful than one glimpse of a wingbar. Compare the photographs in our Brown Creeper guide when practicing this woodland identification. [1]
Life history
How This Bird Lives
Where to look
Search deciduous or mixed woods, including small wooded stopovers during migration. Follow the trunk and larger limbs rather than scanning only the leafy canopy. This species feeds on dead branches as well as living trees. [2]
Food & foraging
Caterpillars form an important part of the spring and breeding-season diet. The bird also takes beetles, ants, flies, and spiders from bark crevices. It can travel upward, downward, or around a branch while searching, rather than following one fixed climbing direction. [2]
A hidden nest underfoot
Despite spending so much feeding time in trees, the female usually builds her nest on the forest floor. A tree base, fallen log, rock, or shrub helps conceal the cup of leaves, bark, and grasses. [2]
Clutches contain 4–6 eggs. Incubation lasts about 10–12 days and the nestling period about 8–12 days. Avoid searching through leaf litter around an occupied nest. [2]
Did you know?
A Closer Look at Black-and-white Warblers
Feet suited to climbing
Compared with other wood-warblers, this species has sturdy legs and an especially long hind claw, helping it grip bark while searching for prey. [3]
A determined territory holder
Its territorial disputes can involve other species, including chickadees and nuthatches. Black-and-white Warblers also defend feeding territories on their wintering grounds. [3]
A name tied to feeding
The genus name Mniotilta refers to plucking moss. It recalls the bird’s search through bark and moss for insects—not a diet made of moss. [3]
Sources: [1] Cornell · Identification[2] Cornell · Life history[3] Cornell · Species overview
Range & Sightings
Recorded Observations
Explore sightings on iNaturalist. Observation records are not a complete range map.
Keep Learning
Compare several photographs, then listen to recordings to connect appearance with voice.