Belding's Yellowthroat

The Belding's yellowthroat, scientifically known as Geothlypis beldingi, is a vibrant New World warbler, endemic to the southern Baja California Peninsula in Mexico. This small bird measures approximately 14 cm in length, with the males of the species donning a striking black facemask and a yellow forecrown, while the females exhibit a more subdued appearance, lacking the mask and sporting an olive crown.

Identification Tips

To identify the Belding's yellowthroat, look for the adult male's distinctive yellow underparts and black mask, which contrasts with the olive-green back. The female resembles the male in coloration but without the black mask. The northern subspecies, G. b. goldmani, can be distinguished by a paler belly and a grey forecrown.

Habitat

The Belding's yellowthroat favors freshwater marshes and lagoons, often thriving in areas abundant with cattails, which provide both shelter and nesting materials.

Distribution

This species is confined to the southernmost tip of Baja California, with notable populations in the estero at San Jose del Cabo and the lagoon at Todo Santos. The northern subspecies has a broader range but is experiencing a shrinking habitat.

Behaviour

The Belding's yellowthroat is a resident breeder, constructing a cup-shaped nest from dead cattails, typically attached low on a living cattail stem. It lays a clutch of 2-4 eggs, with 3 being the common number. Foraging occurs low in the vegetation, where it seeks insects and other small invertebrates.

Song & Calls

The male's song is a resonant "wichety wichety wichety wich," deeper and fuller than that of its common yellowthroat relative, with added buzzes. Its call is a soft "jip," akin to the common yellowthroat's vocalizations.

Breeding

Breeding occurs in the preferred marshy habitats, with the bird utilizing cattails to construct its nest. The Belding's yellowthroat typically lays 2-4 eggs per breeding attempt.

Similar Species

The Belding's yellowthroat is closely related to the common yellowthroat, Altamira yellowthroat, and Bahama yellowthroat, forming a superspecies. It was once considered conspecific with these relatives. The Altamira yellowthroat is similar in appearance but geographically separated by the width of Mexico.

Diet and Feeding

The diet consists primarily of insects and other small invertebrates, which the Belding's yellowthroat actively forages for within low vegetation.

Conservation Status

The Belding's yellowthroat is currently classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN, with habitat loss cited as a significant threat to its survival, particularly for the southern nominate race, which is now restricted to a few small marshes.