Birds of the Blue Ridge: Ovenbird

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The Ovenbird was given its common name in recognition of its nest-building style.

Many of our birds are named for color, geographic regions, habitat or vocalizations. The Ovenbird earned its designation based on a skill set. The female weaves a dome-shaped structure with a side entrance that resembles the old-fashioned Dutch ovens. She builds it on the forest floor and camouflages it with leaves and twigs.

This bird is often heard saying “teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher” before it is seen (with a little luck) walking deliberately on the ground. Individual birds sing their own unique versions. While we cannot necessarily distinguish between the songs, they recognize each other’s signature tunes. Males will have a type of call and response musical conversation with their neighbors in the forest.

Fun Fact

One of the earliest names for the Ovenbird was given by the famous creator of the binomial system of naming plants and animals, Carl Linnaeus, in the mid-18th century.

How to Identify an Ovenbird

This olive-gray “chunky” warbler calls to mind a thrush in appearance. The eyes are large with a white eye-ring and the breast is heavily streaked. They are smaller than an Eastern Bluebird and hold their tail at a jaunty angle.

Ovenbird Habitat

Large mixed, broadleaf forests with deep leaf litter and a dense tree canopy above.

Conservation Note

Ovenbirds are a species of low conservation concern while remaining vulnerable to forest logging and fragmentation.

ABOUT THIS SERIES:

“Birds of the Blue Ridge” showcases frequently seen and rare birds across the southern Appalachian region. For over four decades, Angela Minor has traveled with binoculars and field guides across the continental U.S., Alaska, the Caribbean and seven European countries. She is a contributing editor with BRC magazine and a freelance writer, penning travel and nature feature articles for several regional and national print publications. Angela created and authored the state park birding series for Bird Watcher’s Digest.

Read More by Angela Minor: BlueRidgeCountry.com/AngelaMinor