The back and top of the head are olive colored, but the breast, neck and belly are yellow. The yellow breast and belly are strongly streaked with black along the sides. A conspicuous double black line runs through and below the eyes. Wing bars are present, but inconspicuous.
Rusty streaks are usually visible on the back.
The female resembles the male, but is generally duller. The double line between the eyes is not as conspicuous. Similar to the breeding males and females. Similar to the female but the double line between and below the eye is inconspicuous and the streaking on the sides of the breast and belly is weak. The Pine Warbler lacks the yellow face and conspicuous double black line through and below the eye of the Prairie Warbler.