The Hooded Warbler is one of the most striking warblers of the eastern woods, the male's bright yellow face encircled by a bold black hood and throat, over an olive back and clean yellow underparts. It forages low in the shady understory of mature forest, constantly flicking its tail open to flash the white outer feathers — a behavior thought to startle insects into moving. Its ringing, musical song, often written "weeta-weeta-wee-TEE-oh," carries clearly through the forest, and the sharp metallic "chink" call note is distinctive.
A southern-forest species reaching the northern edge of its range in Michigan, the Hooded Warbler breeds locally in mature, moist deciduous forests with a well-developed shrub layer, mostly in the southern part of the state. It needs both large forest tracts and a dense understory, so it is tied to good-quality woodlands. Females may lack the full black hood but share the yellow face and tail-flashing habit. Encountering a hooded male glowing in the forest shadows is a highlight for birders in the woodlands where it occurs.
Gleans insects, caterpillars, and spiders from the shrub understory and often sallies out or hovers to catch prey, flicking its white-edged tail to flush hidden insects. It forages low in the shaded understory of mature moist forest, taking a variety of soft-bodied invertebrates.
The male has a bright yellow face surrounded by a black hood and throat, with an olive back and yellow underparts. It forages low and constantly flashes white outer tail feathers. Females share the yellow face and tail-flashing but may lack a full hood.
The Hooded Warbler frequently spreads its tail to flash the white outer feathers, a behavior thought to startle insects into moving so they can be caught. It is a reliable clue to the bird's identity.
Locally in mature, moist deciduous forest with a dense shrub understory, mainly in the south of the state at the northern edge of its range. It needs both large forest tracts and a good understory.
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