Missouri Department of Conservation
Missouri Department of Conservation

Taxonomy

Common Name: WARBLER, CERULEAN

Phylum: CHORDATA

Class: AVES

Order: PASSERIFORMES

Family: PARULIDAE

Genus: SETOPHAGA

Species: CERULEA

Taxonomic Authority: (WILSON)

Taxonomy References: 002

Status

NONGAME
STATE RANK S2S3
GLOBAL RANK G4

Status References: 027 , 029 , 036 , 005

Habitat Summary

"Occurs in large deciduous forests with little undergrowth but good herbaceous ground cover. Highest populations often occur in floodplain forests."

Primary Habitat: "Forest - bottomland"

References: 009

Distribution

General Occurrence in State:

"Uncommon summer resident in south, rare in north *01*. Has been identified as a \"species of management concern\" regarding viability of populations in the midwest *29*."

County Occurance

County Occurence
Known Likely Unknown Not Likely Historic Extirpated
ADAIR ATCHISON
ANDREW AUDRAIN
BARRY BARTON
BATES BUCHANAN
BENTON CALDWELL
BOLLINGER CALLAWAY
BOONE CARROLL
BUTLER CASS
CAMDEN CEDAR
CAPE GIRARDEAU CHARITON
CARTER CLARK
CHRISTIAN CLAY
CRAWFORD CLINTON
DENT COLE
DOUGLAS COOPER
FRANKLIN DADE
GRUNDY DALLAS
IRON DAVIESS
JACKSON DEKALB
JASPER DUNKLIN
JEFFERSON GASCONADE
JOHNSON GENTRY
LEWIS GREENE
LINCOLN HARRISON
MADISON HENRY
MARIES HICKORY
MERCER HOLT
MISSISSIPPI HOWARD
MONTGOMERY HOWELL
MORGAN KNOX
NEWTON LACLEDE
OREGON LAFAYETTE
OZARK LAWRENCE
PHELPS LINN
PULASKI LIVINGSTON
RAY MACON
REYNOLDS MARION
RIPLEY MCDONALD
SCOTT MILLER
SHANNON MONITEAU
ST. CHARLES MONROE
ST. CLAIR NEW MADRID
ST. FRANCOIS NODAWAY
ST. LOUIS OSAGE
STE. GENEVIEVE PEMISCOT
STODDARD PERRY
TANEY PETTIS
TEXAS PIKE
VERNON PLATTE
WARREN POLK
WASHINGTON PUTNAM
WAYNE RALLS
RANDOLPH
SALINE
SCHUYLER
SCOTLAND
SHELBY
STONE
SULLIVAN
WEBSTER
WORTH

References for distribution: 029 , 035 , 040 , 021 , 041 , 001 , 009 , 013 , 014 , 015 , 016 , 017 , 018 , 019 , 020 , 022 , 024

Distribution by Watersheds

North Fabius R. and Middle Fabius R.
South Fabius R.
Miss. R. from Des Moines R. to MO. R.; and North R.
North Fork from Headwaters to South Fork
Cuivre R.
Dardenne Creek
Miss. R. from St. Louis to River Aux Vases
Meramec R.
Bourbeuse R.
Big R.
Miss. R. from River Aux Vases to Ohio R.
Castor R. and Castor R. Diversion Channel
St. John's Ditch and Blue Ditch
St. Francis R. from Headwaters to Wappapello Dam
St. Francis R. from Wappapello Dam to Arkansas Border
Little R.
Area Bordered by Black R. and St. Francis R. South of Quintan, MO
Nodaway R.
Mo.R. from Nodaway to Kansas City
Platte R.
One Hundred and Two R.
Thompson R.
Grand R. from Shoal Creek to MO. R.
Chariton R. from Headwaters to Shuteye Creek
Chariton R. from Shuteye Creek to Mo. R.
Little Chariton R.
Marais Des Cygnes from Headwaters to Little Osage R.
Little Osage R.
Marmaton R.
Osage R. from Headwaters to Warsaw, MO.
Sac R.
Pomme De Terre R.
South Grand R.
Osage R. from Warsaw to Bagnell Dam
Niangua R.
Osage R. from Bagnell Dam to Mo. R.
Gasconade R. from Headwaters to Big Piney R.
Big Piney R.
Gasconade R. from Big Piney R. to Mo. R.
Mo. R. from Kansas City to Little Chariton R.
Mo. R. from Little Chariton R. to Gasconade R.
Lamine R.
Blackwater R.
Mo. R. from Gasconade R. to Miss. R.
White R. above Tablerock Dam
James R.
White R. below Tablerock Dam and Little North Fork White R.
North Fork White R.
Black R.
Current R.
Fourche Creek
Warm Fork Spring R. and South Fork
Eleven Point R.
Lost Creek
Spring R.
Indian Creek

Comments: "Likely to occur in units listed, based on county occurrence."

Distribution by Ecoregions

Central Till Plains, Mississippi River Alluvial Plains, Osage Plains, Ozark Highlands

Comments: ""

Distribution by Potential Natural Vegetation

Bluestem Prairie/Oak Hickory Forest
Cedar Glades
Oak-Hickory Forest
Oak-Hickory-Pine Forest
Southern Floodplain Forest
ALL

Distribution by Natural Divisions of Missouri

Glaciated Plains: Western
Glaciated Plains: Grand River
Glaciated Plains: Eastern
Glaciated Plains: Lincoln Hills
Big Rivers
Big Rivers: Upper Missouri
Big Rivers: Lower Missouri
Big Rivers: Upper Mississippi
Big Rivers: Lower Mississippi
Ozark Border
Ozark Border: Missouri River
Ozark Border: Mississippi River
Ozark
Ozark: Springfield Plateau
Ozark: Upper Ozark
Ozark: St. Francois Mountains
Ozark: Elk River
Ozark: White River
Ozark: Lower Ozark
Mississippi Lowlands
Mississippi Lowlands: Crowley's Ridge
Mississippi Lowlands: Lowlands
Osage Plains

Habitat Associations

Species is associated with "Terrestrial" habitats.

National Wetlands Inventory Association:

Palustrine
Riverine

Aquatic Associations:

"Palustrine", "Forested, broad-leaved deciduous"
"Riverine, lower perennial"
"Riverine, upper perennial"

References for Aquatic Associations: 009

Habitat Types:

Wooded Riparian and Bottomland Hardwood
Swamp
Permanent Stream
Oak-Hickory Old Growth

References for Habitat Types: 004

Terrestrial Natural Communities:

Forest
Upland forest
Dry Forest
Dry-Mesic Forest
Mesic Forest
Upland Limestone/Dolomite Forest
Dry Limestone/Dolomite Forest
Dry-Mesic Limestone/Dolomite Forest
Mesic Limestone/Dolomite Forest
Upland Chert Forest
Dry Chert Forest
Dry-Mesic Chert Forest
Upland Sandstone Forest
Dry Sandstone Forest
Dry-Mesic Sandstone Forest
Mesic Sandstone Forest
Upland Sand Forest
Dry Sand Forest
Dry-Mesic Sand Forest
Mesic Sand Forest
Upland Igneous Forest
Dry Igneous Forest
Dry-Mesic Igneous Forest
Mesic Igneous Forest
Bottomland Forest
Dry-Mesic Bottomland Forest
Mesic Bottomland Forest
Wet-Mesic Bottomland Forest
Flatwoods
Wetland
Swamps
Swamp
Pond Swamp

References for Terrestrial Natural Communities: 004 , 009

Food Habits

Trophic Level:

"Carnivore"

Larval Food Habits

Comments for larval food habits:
""

References for larval food habits:

Juvenile Food Habits

Comments for Juvenile Food Habits:
""

References Juvenile Food Habits

Adult Food Habits

Lepidoptera (butterflies); Larva stage
Coleoptera (beetles); Not Specified
Hymenoptera (sawflies, ants, wasps, bees); Not Specified
Terrestrial Insects; Not Specified
Plants; Not Specified
Insects Insects; Not Specified
Orthoptera (grasshoppers, crickets, mantids); Not Specified

Comments for Adult Food Habits:
""

References Adult Food Habits 006 , 011

Niche Requirements

Egg Niche Requirements

References for egg niches requirements:

Feeding Larvae Niche Requirements

References for feeding larvae niche requirements:

Resting Larvae Niche Requirements

References for resting Larvae niche requirements:

Feeding Juvenile Niche Requirements

References for feeding juvenile niche requirements:

Resting Juvenile Niche Requirements

References for resting juvenile niche requirements:

Breeding Adult Niche Requirements

Basal area positively correlated with species' occurrence
Other niche requirements specified in comments(99999)
Floodplain specified in comments(00220)
Inland wetlands: swamp
Inland wetlands: permanent stream
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Natural features: bottomland
Natural features: ridges
Natural features specified in comments(00280)
Natural features: ravines
Slope specified in comments(00330)
Edge: woodland/water edge
Size of forest stand positively correlated with species' occurrence
Habitat size dependent on size of continuous forested stand
Size of continuous forest stand specified in comments(00360)
Successional stage: climax forest
Successional stage specified in comments(00370)
Canopy closure (%) of conifers negatively correlated with species' occurrence
Canopy height specified in comments(00575)
Subcanopy closure specified in comments(00600)
Foliage density >2 M above ground specified in comments(00603)
Shrubs: gooseberry
Herbaceous cover (%) positively correlated with species' occurrence

References for feeding Adult niche requirements: 025 , 026 , 030 , 031 , 032 , 034 , 037 , 008 , 011

Feeding Adult Niche Requirements

Inland wetlands: swamp
Inland wetlands: permanent stream
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Natural features: bottomland
Natural features: hills
Edge: woodland/water edge
Successional stage: climax forest
Forest openings specified in comments(00377)
Canopy closure (%) of preferred trees specified in comments(00570)

References for feeding adult niche requirements: 039 , 006 , 008 , 010 , 011 , 012

Resting Adult Niche Requirements

Inland wetlands: swamp
Inland wetlands: permanent stream
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Natural features: bottomland
Natural features: hills
Edge: woodland/water edge
Successional stage: climax forest
Forest openings specified in comments(00377)
Canopy closure (%) of preferred trees specified in comments(00570)

References for resting adult niche requirements: 006 , 008 , 010 , 011 , 012

Niche Requirement Summary

Basal area positively correlated with species' occurrence
Canopy closure (%) of conifers negatively correlated with species' occurrence
Canopy closure (%) of preferred trees specified in comments(00570)
Canopy height specified in comments(00575)
Edge: woodland/water edge
Floodplain specified in comments(00220)
Foliage density >2 M above ground specified in comments(00603)
Forest openings specified in comments(00377)
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Habitat size dependent on size of continuous forested stand
Herbaceous cover (%) positively correlated with species' occurrence
Inland wetlands: permanent stream
Inland wetlands: swamp
Natural features specified in comments(00280)
Natural features: bottomland
Natural features: hills
Natural features: ravines
Natural features: ridges
Other niche requirements specified in comments(99999)
Shrubs: gooseberry
Size of continuous forest stand specified in comments(00360)
Size of forest stand positively correlated with species' occurrence
Slope specified in comments(00330)
Subcanopy closure specified in comments(00600)
Successional stage specified in comments(00370)
Successional stage: climax forest

Comments about Life History:

Code Comment
014 Nest height is 18-60' *07,12*.
018 Clutch size is 3-5 eggs *06,12,10*.
007 Clutches are completed from early May to late June *07*.
010 In IA floodplain forest study, perched in tallest tree available in forest patch *32*
011 Nests on a horizontal branch over an open area *06,12,10,07*
015 Also uses spider silk in nest building *10,12*.
016 Nest dimensions are outside diameter 2 in", height 1 -2", inside diameter 1", depth 1" *12*.
033 In KY, species arrives in mid-April. In the fall, most are gone by early September *07*

Life History Information

Migration patterns specified in comments(033)
Origin in state: native
Seasonal distribution in state: spring/summer/fall
Seasonal distribution in state: neotropical migrants
Foraging strategy: gleaning
Foraging strategy: hawking
Foraging strategy: flycatching
Foraging sites: air
Foraging sites: branches of tree
Foraging sites: leaves of tree
Foraging sites: trunk of tree
Breeding season specified in comments(007)
Display site: perch
Display site specified in comments(010)
Nest/den site: trees
Nest/den site specified in comments(011)
Nest height specified in comments(014)
Nest materials: grasses
Nest materials: vegetative down
Nest materials: bark
Nest materials: hair or feathers
Nest materials: moss
Nest materials specified in comments(015)
Nest dimensions specified in comments(016)
Clutch/litter size specified in comments(018)
Development of young at birth/hatching: altricial
Parental care of young: female

Comments about Life History:

Code Comment
014 Nest height is 18-60' *07,12*.
018 Clutch size is 3-5 eggs *06,12,10*.
007 Clutches are completed from early May to late June *07*.
010 In IA floodplain forest study, perched in tallest tree available in forest patch *32*
011 Nests on a horizontal branch over an open area *06,12,10,07*
015 Also uses spider silk in nest building *10,12*.
016 Nest dimensions are outside diameter 2 in", height 1 -2", inside diameter 1", depth 1" *12*.
033 In KY, species arrives in mid-April. In the fall, most are gone by early September *07*

References for life history: 030 , 032 , 001 , 006 , 007 , 009 , 010 , 011 , 012 , 043

Management

Beneficial Management Practices:

Water - develop/maintain wetlands
Water - develop/maintain streamside vegetation
Water - stabilize streambanks
Forest - maintain wilderness environment
Forest - maintain riparian habitats
Forest - develop/maintain edge (ecotones)
Forest - maintain streambanks
Forest - maintain streamside vegetation
Forest - reforestation
Forest - maintain old growth forests

Beneficial Management References: 034 , 009 , 023

Adverse Managment Practices:

Water - application of herbicides
Water - application of pesticides
Water - application of insecticides
Water - stream channelization
Forest - application of herbicides
Forest - application of pesticides
Forest - application of insecticides

Adverse Management References: 009

Comments on Management:
In PA study, were not seen on sites with deer density of 7.9 deer/sq. Km *28*. In IL, were more abundant in unlogged forests. Beneficial to maintain unlogged core within large forest tracts and white-oak dominated ridgetops and steep slopes *30*. In IA floodplain study, abundance increased on flooded plots *32*. In southeastern u.s., desirable conditions in mature oak/gum/cypress stands include tall trees, moderately closed canopy and little understory, in large blocks of contiguous habitat (greater than 4000 ha) *33*. Planting white oak in uplands and sycamore, pecan and swamp oak along natural levees is beneficial. May require some river-generated disturbance *34*.

References for Management Comments: 028 , 030 , 032 , 033 , 034

References

Reference Code Citation
001 Easterla, D.A., M.B. Robbins and R.A. Anderson. 1992. Annotated Check-List Of Missouri Birds. The Audubon Society Of Missouri.
002 American Ornithologists Union. 1998. Check-List Of North American Birds, 7th Ed. American Orn. Union, Washington, D.C. 829 Pp.
003 Thom, R.H. and J.H. Wilson. 1980. The Natural Divisions. Trans. Mo. Acad. Sci. 14:9-24.
004 Kelly, G. (Ed.) 1986. Animal Habitat Relations Handbook. Mo Dept. Of Conservation and U.S.D.A. Forest Service. Jefferson City, Mo. 293 Pp.
005 The Wildlife Code of Missouri. Missouri Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102. 573-751-4115.
006 Bent, A.C. 1953. Life Histories Of North American Wood Warblers. U.S. Nat. Mus. Bull. 203. 734 Pp.
007 Barbour, R.W., C.T. Peterson, D. Rust, H.E. Shadowen and A.L. Whitt, Jr. 1973. Kentucky Birds. The Univ. Press Of Ky. Lexington, Ky. 306 Pp.
008 Clawson, R.L. 1982. The Status, Distribution and Habitat Preferences Of The Birds Of Missouri. Mo. Dept. Conserv. Terrestrial Series #11. 80 Pp
009 Unpb Wilson, J.D., Mo. Dept. Conservation. P.O. Box 180. Jefferson City, Mo 65102 (573)751-4115.
010 Chapman, F.M. 1968. The Warblers Of North America. Dover Publications, Inc N.Y., N.Y. 307 Pp.
011 Degraaf, R.M., G.M. Whitman, J.W. Lanier, B.J. Hill and J.M. Keniston 1980. Forest Habitat For Birds Of The Northeast. U.S.D.A.F.S. 598 Pp.
012 Harrison, H.H. 1975. A Field Guide To Birds Nests In The United States East Of The Mississippi River. Houghton - Mifflin Co., Boston 257 Pp.
013 Unpb Wilson, J.D. Breeding Bird Survey. 13-Yr. Summary, 1967-79. Mo Dept. Conserv. P.O. Box 180. Jefferson City, Mo 65102. (573)751-4
014 Birds Of The Tyson Research Center. 1976. Mo Dept. Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Mo.
015 Unpb Birds Of The Columbia Area. 1975. Mo. Dept. Conservation. 1110 S. College Ave. Columbia, Mo 65201 (573)882-9880.
016 Unpb Rathert, J. and J.D. Wilson. 1981. Mo. Summer 1981 American Birds Rept. Mo. Dept. Conserv. P.O. Box 180. Jefferson City, Mo 65102. (573)751-4115.
017 Unpb Rathert, J. and J.D. Wilson. 1981. Mo. Spr. 1981 American Birds Rept. Mo. Dept. Conserv. P.O. Box 180. Jefferson City, Mo 65102. (573)751-4115.
018 Rising, J. 1961. Spring Field Notes - Kansas City Area. Bluebird 28(2):22.
019 Rathert, J. and J.D. Wilson. 1981. Summer Survey. Bluebird 48(3):23-26
020 Rathert, J. and J.D. Wilson. 1981. Spring Survey. Bluebird 48(3):16-22.
021 Magner, M. 1981. Great Day At Mingo N.W.R., and The List Shows It! Bluebird 48(2):20-21.
022 Anderson, D. 1971. Bird Survey - Summer 1971. Bluebird 38(4):7-8.
023 Missouri Dept. Of Conservation and U.S. Forest Service. 1986. Management Of Old Growth Forests In Missouri. Habitat Management Series No. 3. 16 Pp.
024 Unpb Wilson, J.D. and B. Jacobs. 1988.The Distribution And Breeding Status Of The Birds Of Missouri (Preliminary Report). Mo Dept. Of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, Mo 65102.
025 Robbins, C.S., D.K. Dawson and B.A. Dowell. 1989. Habitat Area Requirements Of Breeding Forest Birds Of The Middle Atlantic States. Wildl. Monogr. 103:1-34.
026 Askins, R.A., M.J. Philbrick, and D.S. Sugero. 1987. Relationship Between The Regional Abundance Of Forest And The Composition Of Forest Bird Communities. Biol. Conserv. 39(1987):129-152.
027 Rare And Endangered Species Checklist Of Missouri. 1997. MO Dept. Of Conservation. Natural Heritage Database. 33 Pp.
028 Decalesta, D.S. 1994. Effect Of White-Tailed Deer On Songbirds Within Managed Forests In Pennsylvania. J. Wildl. Manage. 58:711-718.
029 Thompson, F.R., S.J. Lewis, J. Green and D. Ewert. 1993. Status Of Neotropical Migrant Landbirds In The Midwest: Identifying Species Of Management Concern. Pp. 145-158 In Finch, D.M. and P.W. Stangel, Eds. Status And Management Of Neotropical Migratory Birds. Sept. 21-25, Estes Park, Co. Gen. Tech. Rep. Rm-229. Fort Collins, Co: Usda, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Exp. Sta. 422 Pp.
030 Robinson, S.K. 1994. Nesting Success Of Forest Songbirds In Northwestern Illinois. IL Nat. Hist. Surv. Final Rept. Proj. W-115-R-3. 244 Pp.
031 Best, L.B., K.E. Freemark, J.J. Dinsmore and M. Camp. 1995. A Review And Synthesis Of Habitat Use By Breeding Birds In Agricultural Landscapes In Iowa. Am. Midl. Nat. 134:1-29.
032 Unpb Knutson, M.K. 1995. Birds Of Large Floodplain Forests: Local And Regional Habitat Associations On The Upper Mississippi River. Ph.D. Diss., Iowa State Univ., Ames. 128 Pp.
033 Hunter, W.C., A.J. Mueller and C.L. Hardy. 1994. Managing For Red-Cockaded Woodpeckers And Neotropical Migrants - Is There A Conflict? Proc. Ann. Conf. Southeast Assoc. Fish Wildl. Agencies 48:383-394.
034 Robinson, S.K. and J.P. Hoover. 1995. Effects Of Landscape Fragmentation On Migrant Songbirds: Implications For Floodplain Restoration. IL Nat. Hist. Survey. Final Report, Project P-001-W. 150 Pp.
035 Jacobs, B. and J.D. Wilson. 1997. Missouri Breeding Bird Atlas 1986-1992. Mo Dept. Of Conservation. Natural History Series No. 6. Jefferson City, Mo. 430 Pp.
036 Missouri Natural Heritage Program. 2004. Missouri Species and Communities of Conservation Concern Checklist. Missouri Department Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Missouri. 47 Pp.
037 Jones, J. and R.J. Robertson. 2001. Territory And Nest-Site Selection Of Cerulean Warblers In Eastern Ontario. Auk 118(3):727-735.
038 Martin, T.E. and J.R. Karr. 1986. Patch Utilization By Migrating Birds: Resource Oriented? Ornis Scand. 17:165-174.
039 Gabbe, A.P., S.K. Robinson and J.D. Brawn. 2002. Tree-Species Preferences Of Foraging Insectivorous Birds: Implications For Floodplain Forest Restoration. Cons. Biol. 16(2):462-470.
040 First-Year Post-Harvest Results Following The 1999 Deer Ridge CA Silvicultural Treatments. Riparian Reviews 5(1):2-9.
041 Unpb Big Oak Tree State Park. Bird Checklists. 13640 South Hwy. 102, East Prairie, MO 63845, 573-649-3149.
042 Hunter, W.C., D.A. Buehler, R.A. Canterbury, J.L. Confer, and P.B. Hamel. 2001. Conservation of disturbance-dependent birds in eastern North America. Wildlife Society Bulletin 29(2): 440-455.
043 Buehler, D.A., J.J. Giocomo, J. Jones, P.B. Hamel, C.M. Rogers, T.A. Beachy, D.W. Varble, C.P. Nicholson, K.L. Roth, J. Bary, R.J. Robertson, J.R. Robb, and K. Islam. 2008. Cerulean warbler reproduction, survival, and models of population decline. Journal of Wildlife Management 72(3): 646-653.