Goldman's Warbler

The Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata) is a North American bird species with a notable presence across the continent. It is a mid-to-large sized member of the New World warbler family, with a length ranging from 12 to 15 cm and a wingspan of 19 to 24 cm. The species is distinguished by its yellow rump, which is a consistent feature across all its subspecies.

Identification Tips

Adult males in breeding plumage typically exhibit slate-blue backs with black streaks and a yellow crown. The myrtle warbler subspecies is characterized by a white throat, while Audubon's warbler has a yellow throat. Females are more subdued in coloration, with brown streaking and the signature yellow rump. The Goldman's warbler, found in Guatemala, has a white lower border to its yellow throat and darker plumage overall.

Habitat

Habitat in Breeding Range

During the breeding season, the Yellow-rumped Warbler can be found in coniferous or mixed coniferous-deciduous forests. They are adaptable to changes in tree density and can maintain breeding densities as long as some mature trees remain for nesting.

Habitat in Non-breeding Range

In winter, this warbler occupies open areas with shrubs or scattered trees that provide food resources. Habitats may include agricultural and residential areas, secondary forests, shrublands, and even coffee plantations.

Distribution

The Yellow-rumped Warbler breeds from eastern North America to the Pacific and into Western Mexico. The myrtle and Audubon's subspecies are migratory, wintering in the southern U.S., Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. The black-fronted warbler is a non-migratory Mexican endemic, and Goldman's warbler is endemic to the highlands of Guatemala.

Behaviour

The species exhibits a variety of foraging behaviors, including flycatching and gleaning from leaves. They are known to be aggressive foragers, sometimes displacing other warbler species. Migratory behaviors vary, with some populations migrating long distances and others remaining relatively stationary.

Song & Calls

The Yellow-rumped Warbler's song is a trill-like series of 4–7 syllables, and it also emits a check or chip call note.

Breeding

Nests are cup-shaped, constructed with twigs, pine needles, grasses, and lined with fine hair and feathers. They are typically located on horizontal conifer branches. Females incubate the eggs for 12 to 13 days, and the young fledge after 10 to 14 days.

Similar Species

The myrtle warbler can be distinguished from Audubon's warbler by its white throat and eye stripe. Goldman's warbler is similar to Audubon's but has a white lower border to the yellow throat.

Diet and Feeding

The Yellow-rumped Warbler's diet is primarily insectivorous, but it also consumes fruits, especially in winter. It is the only warbler able to digest the waxy berries of the wax-myrtle, allowing it to winter farther north than other warblers.

Conservation Status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Yellow-rumped Warbler as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without significant threats at present.