WOOD-WARBLERS

Yellow-rumped Warbler, Dendroica coronata

Family Parulidae (Wood-Warblers)

Size: 5.5"

Season: Winter

Habitat: Deciduous and coniferous woodlands, suburbs

Two races of this species occur in North America: The “myrtle” form ranges across the continent, and the “Audubon’s” form can be found west of the Rockies and in eastern Texas. The “myrtle” variety is blue-gray above with dark streaks, and white below with black streaking below the chin and a bright yellow side patch. There is a black mask across the face, bordered by a thin superciliary stripe above and a white throat below. The nonbreeding adult and female are paler, with a more brownish cast to the upperparts. The longish tail has white spots on either side and meets with the conspicuous yellow rump. The “Audubon’s” variety has a yellow chin and a gray face. Yellow-rumped Warblers prefer to eat berries and insects. The male “myrtle” form is illustrated.