A small, somewhat chunky warbler, adult ovenbirds are noted for their olive-brown heads, necks, and backs, with a bold white ring around the eyes and a line of orange that runs down their heads flanked by a pair of black streaks. They have white underparts with black streaks on the chest, similar to the wood thrush, with a short tail and long pink legs. Males and females have similar color patterns.

Adults are about 4.3-5.5 inches (11-14 centimeters) long, with a wingspan of 7.5-10.2 inches (19-26 centimeters).

Their favorite breeding grounds are closed-canopy forests, ideally with lots of dead leaves on the forest floor.

Its breeding range stretches across Canada and the eastern and central United States. Its wintering range includes the Caribbean, Central and South America and parts of the southeastern U.S.

Up to 11 years, but most live one to three years in the wild.

Ovenbirds have a loud, repeating song that builds in volume. This chur-tee call is used by males during the breeding season, although both males and females can make several other calls and chirping noises.

Ovenbirds eat mostly insects but will forage for seeds and occasionally fruit. When hunting on the forest floor, they use their long legs to walk around, bobbing around with big, jerky steps as they hunt for prey.

Ovenbirds are active during the day and sleep at nighttime.

Males and females pair up during the breeding season.

Ovenbirds depart from their wintering grounds in early spring, arriving in their breeding grounds throughout April and May. Males will sing to attract females. After the males and females pair up, the female will build a nest on the ground, woven from dead leaves, grass, twigs, and animal hair, resembling a dome with a hole on the side. Females lay clutches of between three and six eggs, colored white with brown spots, which hatch after about two weeks of incubation.

Hatchlings are cared for by both females and males. After seven to 10 days’ worth of feeding, the young ovenbirds will leave the nest for the first time. However, they cannot fly, and will need to fed by their parents for another few weeks until they are ready to venture out on their own.