The Magnolia Warbler (Emberizidae: Parulinae: Dendroica magnolia) is a Neotropical migrant with a misleading name, since it breeds not in the Southeastern U.S. where magnolia trees flourish but in New England, southern Canada, and higher elevations in the Appalachians. Males in breeding plumage (above) are striking with their bright yellow breasts, black masks, and large white wingbars and tail spots.

The female resembles the male but is paler, while immatures (right) lack most of the adult markings and have a gray band across the upper breast. The heavy white tail spots are diagnostic for any sex or plumage.

At Hilton Pond Center, Magnolia Warblers are encountered more commonly during fall migration, when mostly juvenile birds are caught.

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