The Kentucky Warbler is a small songbird that is known for its bright yellow underparts and bold black streaks on its head and face. It is around 5 inches long, weighs about 0.4-0.5 ounces, and has a wingspan of approximately 7.5 inches. The bird is sexually dimorphic, with males having a darker, more olive-colored back and wings compared to females. Both sexes have a distinctive white eye ring and a relatively short, thick bill.

During the breeding season, Kentucky Warblers can be found in the eastern United States, from the Great Lakes region to the Gulf of Mexico. They prefer to breed in deciduous and mixed forests with a dense understory, and are commonly found in areas with a lot of fallen leaves and leaf litter. During migration, they can be found in the southeastern United States and in Central America.

One of the most distinguishing field marks of the Kentucky Warbler is its bright yellow underparts. This coloration extends up to the throat and is in stark contrast to the bold black streaks on the bird’s head and face. These streaks form a distinctive pattern that is unique to the Kentucky Warbler and helps birders identify them in the field. The bird’s back and wings are also patterned with black and olive streaks.

Kentucky Warblers are primarily insectivores and feed on a variety of insects, including beetles, caterpillars, and spiders. During the breeding season, they will also eat fruit and berries to supplement their diet. They are often found foraging on the ground, in leaf litter, or in low shrubs.

Although the Kentucky Warbler is considered a species of least concern, their populations have been declining in recent years due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Conservation efforts are underway to protect and restore their breeding and wintering habitats, as well as to increase public awareness about this beautiful and unique bird.