Geothlypis trichas
male
The Common Yellowthroat is a colorful little wood warbler. The sexes are dissimilar. Adult males have an olive-brown back and nape, and subtly darker wings and tail. The head has a broad black mask, defined above by a pale gray band, and below by the bright yellow throat; the yellow coloration extends to most of the underparts, although eastern birds typically have gray or buff flanks. Adult females are similar to their respective regional adult males but the black face mask is replaced by olive-gray. Immatures are similar to an adult female but the throat is less colorful. The legs are pink in all birds.
The Common Yellowthroat is present as a breeding species across much of North America, mainly from April to August. Although it can be found in southern U.S.A. in winter, most of the population moves to Central America outside the breeding season. It is a secretive species, and often its distinctive call is what alerts an observer to its presence, hidden among waterside grasses and sedges.
female
FACT FILE
LENGTH 5.5 in (14 cm)
FOOD Invertebrates
HABITAT Grassy habitats, often near water
STATUS Widespread and common summer visitor
VOICE Song is a warbled, whistling weeter-weechertee-weechertee-wee. Call is a sharp tchet
