Yellow-rumped Warblers in Alberta
When yellow-rumped warblers are present in Alberta, when they nest, which native Alberta plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 2a–4b yard.
- Status in Alberta
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- June–July
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 2a–4b
When to expect yellow-rumped warblers in Alberta
Yellow-rumped Warblers are summer residents in Alberta, arriving shortly before nesting begins in June and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on caterpillars and flies.
Continental — prairie in the southeast, aspen parkland in the center, boreal forest in the north and the Rockies in the west.
Nesting in Alberta
Across Alberta, yellow-rumped warblers typically nest from June–July. Nest site: cup on a horizontal conifer branch. Females lay 1–6 eggs, incubate for 12–13 days, and young leave the nest after 10–14 days.
Warm, sunny summers with long days.
- Yellow-rumped Warblers don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as smooth sumac, paper birch, pin cherry for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native Alberta plants that attract yellow-rumped warblers
Of the regional native plants we track for Alberta, these 8 provide food or cover yellow-rumped warblers use:
Red fruit heads hang on through winter.
Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.
Fast-growing northern cherry with midsummer fruit.
Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.
White fruit and red winter stems; good thicket cover.
Red fruit persists until late winter when other food is gone.
Berry-like cones feed bluebirds, solitaires and waxwings in winter.
Early yellow flowers for hummingbirds, then summer fruit.
Feeding yellow-rumped warblers through the Alberta year
The warbler most likely at a winter feeder; suet and wax myrtle bring them in.
- Best foods: Suet, Hulled sunflower.
- In Alberta's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Full diet breakdown for yellow-rumped warblers · Best feeder for yellow-rumped warblers
Frequently asked
Are yellow-rumped warblers in Alberta year-round?
No. Yellow-rumped Warblers are summer breeders in Alberta and leave for the winter.
When do yellow-rumped warblers nest in Alberta?
Nesting in Alberta typically runs June–July, with 1–2 per season. Clutches are 1–6 eggs, incubated for 12–13 days.
What native plants attract yellow-rumped warblers in Alberta?
Smooth sumac, Paper birch, Pin cherry, Chokecherry, Red-osier dogwood, Highbush cranberry, Rocky Mountain juniper, Golden currant are native plants in Alberta that provide food or cover for yellow-rumped warblers.
Yellow-rumped Warblers in other regions
Other backyard birds in Alberta
Sources
- Yellow-rumped Warbler — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Yellow-rumped Warbler life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Yellow-rumped Warbler — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Alberta
- Plant Hardiness Zones of Canada — Natural Resources Canada
- Audubon Native Plants Database
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.