A greenish Tennessee warbler perched among apple blossoms. — Photo: Cephas, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

A tiny greenish warbler that only passes through Tennessee; it nests in Canada's boreal forest.

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About the Tennessee Warbler

Tennessee warblers are about 4.5 inches long, with greenish backs, short tails and sharp bills. They nest in Canada's boreal forest and winter farther south, often in shaded coffee farms. They were named after Tennessee, but they only pass through that state during migration. In summer they eat caterpillars, beetles and other insects high in the trees.^[1]

Quick facts

Scientific name: Leiothlypis peregrina^[1]
Size: About 4.5 inches long.^[1]
Lifespan: Most live 1 to 2 years; the oldest known lived 6.^[1]
Diet: Insects such as caterpillars and spruce budworms, plus berries and nectar.^[1]
Habitat: Boreal forests and woodlands; shaded coffee farms in winter.^[1]
Where it lives: Breeds in Canada and the northern U.S.; winters in Central and South America.^[1]
Group life: Mixed-species flocks in migration.^[1]
Babies: 4 to 7 eggs, incubated for 11 to 12 days.^[1]
Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN Red List, assessed 2020).^[2]

Fun facts

Tennessee warblers only pass through Tennessee.^[1]
Their numbers grow where spruce budworms are plentiful.^[1]
In winter they often live on shaded coffee farms.^[1]

Vocabulary

warbler: A small, often colorful songbird that eats insects.
boreal forest: A cold northern forest of evergreen trees.
migrate: To travel from one region to another with the seasons.
clutch: A group of eggs laid at one time.
least concern: A conservation label meaning a species is widespread and not at risk of dying out soon.

See it in person

Smithsonian's National ZooWashington, D.C. · Bird HouseSee this animal on the zoo's website ↗

These zoos had this animal when we gathered our information, but animals sometimes move. Check the zoo's website or contact the zoo before you visit.

Sources

[1] Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute. “Tennessee warbler.” https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/tennessee-warbler (accessed 2026-10-08)
[2] IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. “Leiothlypis peregrina (Tennessee Warbler).” https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22721621/137338345 (accessed 2026-10-08)

Facts last checked 2026-10-08.

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