Pine Warbler

Status Rare vagrant, very rare in winter. The first record was a specimen collected at Gaspereau, Kings County, on 4 November 1922 (R.W. Tufts). Another three were reported prior to 1960, and since then almost 60 sightings, generally of individuals but sometimes of two or three birds together, have been reported. Several have been confirmed by specimens or photographs. Only nine birds have been reported for spring, between 5 April and 10 June. The rest have appeared as transients or reverse migrants in fall, between 6 August and late December. In recent years they have become almost routine at feeders around Halifax and in the southwestern counties and occasionally elsewhere. A few have survived into January, and fewer still have survived through February.

Remarks The Pine Warbler breeds from southern Manitoba and central Maine southward, and winters successfully north to New England, so its occurrence here as a vagrant is expected. In autumn, females and immatures can be confused with fall Bay-breasted and Blackpoll Warblers, and identification during that season should be made with caution. The Pine Warbler's unstreaked back and relatively large bill are distinguishing marks.