Midwest · Mississippi Flyway
Are There Black-and-white Warblers in Iowa?
Yes, but uncommon — Black-and-white Warblers occur in Iowa mainly from May to September. Mniotilta varia · Parulidae
Is the Black-and-white Warbler Found in Iowa?
Black-and-white Warblers do occur in Iowa, but they are considered uncommon. Encountering one requires patience and the right habitat during migration windows.
Where to see them instead: the nearest states where Black-and-white Warblers occur regularly are Missouri (about 250 miles away), Wisconsin (about 250 miles away) and Illinois (about 250 miles away).
Often mistaken for Black-and-white Warblers in Iowa: White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Black-capped Chickadee and Yellow-rumped Warbler — these occur regularly in Iowa, so compare them carefully before concluding you saw a Black-and-white Warbler.
Black-and-white Warbler is a North American backyard bird.
In Iowa, this species is classified as uncommon. It passes through Iowa during migration. The best months to observe this bird are May, August, September. Peak activity occurs in September.
Monthly Activity — Black-and-white Warbler in Iowa
Relative frequency of observations by month. Higher bars indicate peak periods for this species.
Identification
Best Time to See Black-and-white Warbler in Iowa
Other birds in Iowa
Birds you might also encounter in Iowa.
Black-and-white Warbler in other states
Black-and-white Warbler in Iowa: Quick Facts
The Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) is an uncommon bird in Iowa. It is classified as a migrant / transient in the state, falling within the Midwest region and the Mississippi Flyway migration corridor.
The best months to spot this species in Iowa are May, August, September. For birders in Des Moines and throughout Iowa, knowing the seasonal patterns of Black-and-white Warbler can help plan birding trips and backyard feeding strategies.
Use the monthly activity chart above to plan your birding outings, and explore other bird species found in Iowa using the related birds section.