Kirtland’s Warbler in Wisconsin

Posted by Rosemary Drisdelle Aug 3, 2007

Kirtland’s Warbler, Dendroica kirtlandii, nests only in jack pine stands where the trees are young, ideally about 5 metres tall—hence the common name Jack Pine Warbler. Deforestation and control of forest fires have resulted in the slow disappearance of young jack pine stands—and the slow disappearance of the warbler.

Efforts to restore ideal jack pine habitat for Kirtland’s Warbler have been ongoing since the 1950s, and Michigan, Wisconsin, and Ontario all have potential habitat; however, since the 1940s the Jack Pine Warbler has only been known to nest in central Michigan. The bird’s numbers are increasing, however, and in 2007, Kirtland’s Warblers nests were confirmed in central Wisconsin.

Conservation efforts have worked well for Kirtland’s Warbler and the species is now designated “near threatened” on the IUCN Red List—a huge improvement. Nests in Wisconsin and northern Michigan are also a very positive sign that the bird is recovering from near extinction.

Read more about Kirtland’s Warbler.