Blackpoll Warbler: Greatest warbler migrant

Blackpoll Warbler in fall olive yellow plumage

The Blackpoll Warbler, a bird that weighs less than a wet teabag, is one of the greatest warbler migrants according to Ted Black in the Birds of Michigan Field Guide. They leave New England from late August to early October and fly nonstop up to 88 hours until they reach South America. This almost 2000 mile journey would be the equivalent of a human running continuous 4-minute miles for 3 days!

To accomplish this flight, the Blackpoll Warbler nearly doubles its body mass and takes advantage prevailing winds, sometimes flying at heights of 20,000 to direct them to their destination. 

Related Articles: 

• Michigan warblers begin migrating http://goo.gl/37QhV
• Michigan's Kirtland's Warbler Continues to Exceed Recovery Goal http://goo.gl/Q3xQ0
• Small Mysterious Black & White Bird Visits Mid-Michigan http://goo.gl/VOl3s
• When is bird migration over? http://goo.gl/1Fiq6
• Birds of Michigan Field Guide http://bit.ly/uMSTs6 

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