His note is just a warble.
You cannot write it down.
But you are bound to hear it
If you walk ’round the town.
Black and White Warbler
Mniotilta varia
Warblers are an unusual family of birds. Some act like flycatchers and often feed on flying insects. Others join the vireos in searching for larvae in the thick foliage of higher trees. A few mingle with sandpipers and find their food along the banks of some small stream, while the ground-dwelling contingent share choice morsels with thrushes. The Black and White Warbler is different, for while nesting on or near the ground, he feeds on the trunk or larger limbs of trees, combining the upward movement of the Brown Creeper with reverse actions of nuthatches. His is more of a swing movement, quickly switching as if undecided whether to go up or down. Various beetles, ants, weevils, plant lice and larvae are included in his diet.
This bird can be distinguished from the similar Black-polled Warbler by the white stripe down the center of the crown and the white line over the eye. Their habits and songs are different.
Due to its feeding habits, the Black and White Warbler does not depend on extensive foliage to furnish a supply of caterpillars, and migrates earlier than many of this colorful family. Fall migration may find him lingering well into October, before departing for his winter home.
He’s black and white,