Beautiful tiny bird. My fav photo of this grouping is number 9 from the bottom (depending on how I count). It’s the one with the Pa-RUH-lah landing on the branch with its wings open behind its head. Love 💞
Such lovely photos. I have never seen this little beauty before. I will have to investigate whether we have them here in California. PAIR-a-la, I'd say ( as in parallel and parable) I saw my first flame-colored tanager yesterday at the Cornell feeders! I have to say, it does not take much to thrill me these days.
I'm guilty of stressing the second syllable - haha, great to know, James! They're quite the little acrobatic warbler in those images you shared. I like that clip of the buzzy trill - such an interesting sound from a small bird.
Stressing the second syllable feels so natural! It took a while for me to train myself not to say it that way.
The ID quiz is actually a Northern Parula, the yellow breast looks like it could go to the belly but the telltale wing bars are obscured by the branch.
The “pear” I get, I say “PEAR-uh-la.” The “you”—I’ve never heard anyone say it that way. Full disclosure if I was out birding and heard “look, a pear-you-la!” my inward reaction would be “wow saying it that way is psychotic.” Because I read and listen to your stuff and know you’re a hell of a birder my mind is more open now, though my gut reaction is still that.
Your guess is correct! Just “Parula” would’ve done it but I appreciate you taking it a step further—being the birder that you are. Thank you for reading.
I really love the Northern Parula. We had a few visit the yard this winter, but they have gone back up north again. The park close by still had a few of them lingering around, and I love hearing them sing.
I don't think I've ever seen a Parula warbler, but now I know what to look for. Glad there are a lot of thm, so I'll keep my eyes open for them: small as a titmouse with an unusual name. Good to know.
Great article, James. I really enjoyed learning about the Parula, pronunciation included. It makes sense that so many of us have difficulty saying it, given that Americans tend to stress second syllables. I especially like the photos of the upside down postures which remind me a little of nuthatches.
Glad to know how to pronounce parula finally. A loud little bird. I usually hear them and not see them, though watched one collecting spider webs for its nest in the smokies.
Beautiful tiny bird. My fav photo of this grouping is number 9 from the bottom (depending on how I count). It’s the one with the Pa-RUH-lah landing on the branch with its wings open behind its head. Love 💞
Thank you Teyani! They've been so abundant and willing to pose this migration.
Beautiful little birds - thanks!
Thank you for reading!
Such lovely photos. I have never seen this little beauty before. I will have to investigate whether we have them here in California. PAIR-a-la, I'd say ( as in parallel and parable) I saw my first flame-colored tanager yesterday at the Cornell feeders! I have to say, it does not take much to thrill me these days.
Thank you Sharron! A tanager is always thrilling, i just saw one yesterday
I'm guilty of stressing the second syllable - haha, great to know, James! They're quite the little acrobatic warbler in those images you shared. I like that clip of the buzzy trill - such an interesting sound from a small bird.
ID Quiz - I'm going with the Nashville Warbler?
Stressing the second syllable feels so natural! It took a while for me to train myself not to say it that way.
The ID quiz is actually a Northern Parula, the yellow breast looks like it could go to the belly but the telltale wing bars are obscured by the branch.
Thank you for reading, Neil.
I’ve always pronounced it PEAR-you-la. My birder friends make fun of me. Deride me even. But I don’t back down.
Awesome post James. Funny how I’ve never looked into the etymology of the word. Glad to learn its meaning!
I’m gonna guess female Parula for the mystery photo.
Thank you Nate!
The “pear” I get, I say “PEAR-uh-la.” The “you”—I’ve never heard anyone say it that way. Full disclosure if I was out birding and heard “look, a pear-you-la!” my inward reaction would be “wow saying it that way is psychotic.” Because I read and listen to your stuff and know you’re a hell of a birder my mind is more open now, though my gut reaction is still that.
Your guess is correct! Just “Parula” would’ve done it but I appreciate you taking it a step further—being the birder that you are. Thank you for reading.
lol my friends DEFINITELY think it’s psychotic 😂😂🙃
I really love the Northern Parula. We had a few visit the yard this winter, but they have gone back up north again. The park close by still had a few of them lingering around, and I love hearing them sing.
They offer so much to love, and are so vocal! I really enjoy these birds too, thank you for reading, Aria.
That's a distinct sound I'll be listening for today. Thanks, James.
Thanks, James.
I don't think I've ever seen a Parula warbler, but now I know what to look for. Glad there are a lot of thm, so I'll keep my eyes open for them: small as a titmouse with an unusual name. Good to know.
Great article, James. I really enjoyed learning about the Parula, pronunciation included. It makes sense that so many of us have difficulty saying it, given that Americans tend to stress second syllables. I especially like the photos of the upside down postures which remind me a little of nuthatches.
Thank you Heidi! It does take some focus to pronounce it right at first
I saw the first parula on our farm this morning! Farm Bird # 134. Not a lifer for me but a thrill non the less because he came to me!
134 thus far—that’s a great number!
My Merlin app hears them but I can hardly ever find them! Beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
Glad to know how to pronounce parula finally. A loud little bird. I usually hear them and not see them, though watched one collecting spider webs for its nest in the smokies.