This 2015 $10 pure silver coin issued by the Royal Canadian Mint is the second coin issued in the colourful songbirds of Canada 5-coin series.  The design features a rendition of the Magnolia Warbler in a tranquil setting. As pure silver coin struck by the Royal Canadian Mint, this item is GST/HST exempt.

The Design:

The vibrancy of the bird’s colour is captured using selective colour that highlights this beautiful songbird. The bird is shown in side profile, perched in a plum tree, which fills the background to the left side of the design. The front is engraved with the word “CANADA,” the date “2015”, and the face value of “10 DOLLARS.” 

The Magnolia Warbler:

The Magnolia Warbler measures 11-13 cm from bill to tail and weighs 7-13 g, with a wingspan of 5.5-6.5 cm.  This songbird has a distinguished colouration of white, gray and black backs with yellow sides.  The male Magnolia Warbler is easily recognized with yellow and black-striped stomachs; white, gray and black foreheads and beaks with distinct black tails with white patches on the wings called white bars.  The female has similar colouring although the predominance of grey instead of black mutes the contrast seen in males.  Its name traces back to 1810 when a specimen was collected from a “magnolia tree”.  This unique, small, but delightful songbird has 2 distinct songs; one for courtship and nesting and a less accented one that may be used while defending its territory.