We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Birds

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is an Ovenbird?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: Jun 04, 2024
Views: 5,097
Share

An ovenbird, formally known as Seiurus aurocapilla, is a type of forest dwelling bird which is found widely distributed along the Eastern part of North America, into the West, and in Central America. Ovenbirds live on the forest floor and build characteristic nests which resemble dutch ovens, hence the English common name. In some parts of the United States, the ovenbird is also called a teacher bird, because its calls resembles the sound “teacher, teacher, teacher.” The small brown birds are often confused with sparrows, although they are actually in the warbler family.

The ovenbird is very small, usually not more than five inches (13 centimeters) in length. Ovenbirds have a creamy black streaked underbelly and an olive green back, with distinctive orange stripe on the top of the head. Males and females resemble each other physically, and both sexes sing while they are courting. The song of the ovenbird usually involves taking turns, with one partner singing a few bars and the second partner picking up the tune and elaborating on it. Ovenbirds also engage in a brief hopping dance while they are courting.

Ovenbirds nest on the ground, building mounded grass nests which are sunk into the earth. A small door on the nest allows one bird to slip in, and the female lays eggs in the nest in the late Spring. four to six white spotted eggs are laid, and will hatch in approximately two weeks. Male and female raise the chicks, bringing food back to the nest and showing them how to fly. In 10-12 days, the young will be active and flying.

In the winter, ovenbirds move to the southern end of their range. Like other migratory bird species, the ovenbird does not have a long life expectancy. The oldest recorded ovenbird reached seven years of age. The birds are perfectly capable of flying, but seem to prefer a ground bound life, perhaps as a protection from predator species such as hawks and eagles. Ovenbirds themselves eat worms, insects, small seeds, and fruits.

The charming song of the ovenbird is an endearing thing to hear in North America in the spring, as well as in Central America and the American South in the Winter. In Spanish, the birds are known as pizpita dorada, and in French as paruline couronnee. The shy ovenbird is rarely seen except by patient woodsmen, although their song ripples through some regional forests in the late Spring.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-an-ovenbird.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.