CANADA WARBLER

Introduction

The Canada warbler (Wilsonia Canadensis) is a fairly common breeder in BCR 14. It prefers deciduous forest with a dense understory, especially along streams, bogs, swamps or moist areas. It is listed as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in one or more states in BCR 14.

Habitat Needs

This warbler prefers deciduous forested wetlands with a dense undergrowth or moist upland hardwood forest with either a dense deciduous or coniferous understory. In either case the overstory is more open than closed. It will also use sapling and pole stands in moist areas.

Its territory is around 2 to 3 acres.

Habitat Management Practices

In moist areas, maintain as much area as possible with a dense understory and a relatively open overstory.

When assessing properties for habitat potential, look for moist soils such as Bemis, Binghamville, Brayton, Cabot, Grange, Kinsman, Leicester, Leicester cool, Leicester variant, Lyme, Mashpee, Monarda, Monarda variant, Moosilauke, Naumburg, Pemi, Pillsbury, Raynham, Raypol, Ridgebury, Roundabout, Scantic, Scitico, Shaker, Squamscott, Stissing, Swanton, Wareham, Walpole. There are others depending on the location in BCR 14.

Silvicultural Practices

  • Use a three-cut shelterwood system with a delayed removal cut to reach the preferred habitat condition,
  • Small clearcuts or group selection cuts are a secondary option.
  • Poorly drained soils should be operated on in the winter so there should be no conflict between logging activity and the breeding and nesting period.

Additional Information