Ovenbirds and Canada Warblers: An Exercise in Luring Birds

WHITE RIVER JUNCTION – Nearing the top of Mount Cardigan, Dr. Desirée Narango and I stopped in our tracks after hearing the characteristic “teacher-teacher-teacher” call of an Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla), whom she affectionately calls the “chickens” of the forest. Although we heard the bird, it was nowhere in sight. So, Dr. Narango introduced me to “pishing,” which involves making a shushing noise with a “p” sound in front that imitates warning calls made by many birds and draws them closer to you by piquing their curiosity. Ovenbirds are evidently one of the most aggressive, or territorial, birds we found since just one round of pishing drew the bird into view. Examining us, the bird flew to the ground, strutting in the undergrowth like a chicken would.

This strategy worked similarly well with the Canada Warbler (Cardellina canadensis) we saw later on; however, he was far more cautious and restrained than the Ovenbird, staying in the tree canopy above. These birds make an extraordinary migration every year, traveling to their breeding grounds in the northeastern U.S. and Canada during the summer months and residing in northwestern South America during the winters. It occurred to me that this tiny bird travels more than me. I envy you, Canada Warbler.

Pia Carman, Vermont Center for Ecostudies