Worm-Eating Warbler Audubon songbird Notebook

This vintage reproduction of John James Audubon’s Plate 34 from Birds of America showcases a pair of Worm-Eating Warblers perched in a pokeberry bush, one intently hunting a spider. Interestingly, despite its name, this warbler doesn’t actually eat worms; it prefers caterpillars instead. The accompanying pokeberry plant is an indigenous species to the eastern United States, known for its vibrant berries that attract numerous bird species—though likely not the Worm-Eating Warbler itself. With its olive-brown body, tan head marked by bold black stripes, and a long bill for foraging among dead leaves, this subtle songbird stands out for its unique habits rather than flashy colors. Common from Pennsylvania to Florida, its rapid, buzzing chirp sounds more insect-like than bird-like. Audubon’s detailed depiction of the understated beauty of the Worm-Eating Warbler and the pokeberry plant makes this print a captivating addition for bird enthusiasts, nature lovers, and fans of classic Audubon artistry.