Cerulean Warbler

Setophaga cerulea

This female Cerulean Warbler was unusually cooperative for (“most”, the author points out bitterly) local birders in early October 2023, just south of Cappahayden. (Photo: Bruce Mactavish, October 1 2023)

Status: Rare (Less than annual)

Origins: Breeds in deciduous forests of eastern North America, but with a patchy distribution (in Canada, just two areas of southern Ontario), wintering in Central and South America. It is a rare visitor to Atlantic Canada.

Record Details: Thirteen records for Newfoundland, all in late summer or fall (with one lingering into early winter!):

  1. St. John’s (White Hills), Sept 18 1987
  2. Blackhead, Sept 23 1987 
  3. St. John’s (Waterford Valley), Nov 18 – Dec 2 1995
  4. St. John’s (Rennies River), Aug 26-27 1997
  5. Bear Cove Point Rd (Renews), Sept 7-14 1998
  6. Cape Spear (“Warbler Alley”), Oct 12 1999
  7. Cape Spear (“Warbler Alley”), Sept 3-5 2001
  8. Bear Cove Point Rd (Renews), Sept 15 2002 
  9. Cape Spear (“Warbler Alley”), Sept 3 2003
  10. Bear Cove (south of Renews), Sept 2 2004
  11. Bear Cove Point Rd (Renews), Sept 19 2011
  12. Blackhead, Sept 2 2017
  13. Cappahayden – Freshwater Pond Rd., Sept 30 – Oct 4 2023

* NOTE – This website is not an official account and “may” contain incorrect information and/or details of unconfirmed records. *