Taxonomy/Description

The Ovenbird is a member of the Order Passeriformes, which includes the perching birds.  It is in Family Parulidae, which consists of the New World wood warblers.  The Ovenbird is in the Genus Seiurus, which also includes the Northern Waterthrush and Louisiana Waterthrush. 

The Ovenbird is a small songbird with an olive brown back and white underside with bold, dark streaked spots.  Ovenbirds have a white eyering and an orange crown bordered by black stripes.  They are sexually monomorphic, so males and females have the same appearance.  Immature birds look like adults, but are less brightly colored.  Ovenbirds are approximately 6 inches long. 

Habitat/Diet

Ovenbirds breed in mature deciduous and coniferous forests in northern and northeastern North America.  They winter in primary and second growth forests in southern Florida, Mexico, Central America, and the Carribbean.

The diet of the Ovenbird consists of forest invertebrates.  They learn high-density prey locations and repeatedly visit those sites.  Ovenbirds primarily obtain food by picking off prey from leaf litter on the forest floor. 

Behavior/Reproduction

Ovenbirds are usually seen walking on the ground instead of hopping, running, or flying.  They pump their tails in a wave-like motion and the tail is often held high with the wings below it.  Their flight is described as low, firm, and steady.  Male interaction is vigorous and prolonged when territories are being established.  Males will chase and vocalize to defend their territories.  Physical contact is rare. 

Ovenbirds are generally monogamous, but polyandry and polygyny have been recorded.  Only the female builds the nest.  The nest consists of a woven domed cup of dead leaves and plant stems, with the entrance on the side.  Nests are placed on the ground and can be lined with hair.  Ovenbirds have one brood per year and one egg is laid per day until a clutch is complete. A clutch usually contains 4-5 eggs and is incubated for 11-13 days.   Males do not usually come to the nest during incubation, but may feed the female.  Ovenbirds have altricial young which means they are immobile, blind and helpless. Both sexes will care for young. Young will fledge 8-10 days after hatching.

Vocalizations

The territorial male song is described as a loud, ringing “Teacher-teacher” phrase.  The attenuated song is used in male-male interactions and is introduced by a series of “whink” notes and a “ple-bleep” vocalization.  This is followed by a rambling section including one or more chip notes and sometimes additional territorial song phrases or “ple-bleep” notes.

Where to see them in WNY

Wildlife Refuges, such as Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge