Yellow-throated Warbler

The Yellow-throated Warbler, Setophaga dominica, is a small, vibrant songbird of the New World warbler family, Parulidae. It is easily recognized by its striking plumage: males in summer boast grey upperparts and wings, punctuated by double white wing bars. Their throats shine with a brilliant yellow, while the rest of the underparts remain white, streaked with black along the flanks. The head is adorned with a bold black and white pattern, featuring a long supercilium that varies in color among subspecies. Their flight feathers and tail are black, and they measure a petite 14 cm in length.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Yellow-throated Warbler, look for the distinct yellow throat and the double white wing bars on grey wings. The head pattern is quite pronounced with black and white contrasts. Females, immatures, and non-breeding males present a more subdued version of the male's summer plumage, with less bright yellows and dark grey rather than black body feathers. Sexual dimorphism in this species is minimal.

Habitat

This warbler favors woodlands, showing a preference for coniferous trees or swampy areas with abundant tree cover for nesting.

Distribution

The Yellow-throated Warbler breeds in the southeastern regions of North America, with a range stretching from southern Pennsylvania and northern Missouri to the Gulf of Mexico. One subspecies is resident year-round in northwest Florida, while others migrate to winter along the Gulf Coast, eastern Central America, and the Caribbean. Vagrants have been spotted as far south as northernmost South America.

Behaviour

Outside the breeding season, these warblers may consume a mix of berries and nectar, but primarily they are insectivorous. They forage by picking food directly off tree branches, occasionally hovering to catch flying insects.

Song & Calls

The male's song is a series of clear, descending whistles, while their calls are characterized by high 'sees' or sharp 'chips'.

Breeding

Nests are cup-shaped structures built within trees, often concealed by conifer needles or Spanish moss. Clutches typically contain 3-5 eggs, with 4 being the most common number.

Similar Species

The Yellow-throated Warbler can occasionally hybridize with the Northern Parula, resulting in Sutton's Warblers. These hybrids lack the black streaks bordering the breast of the Yellow-throated Warbler and have a greenish-yellow wash on their back.

Diet and Feeding

Primarily insectivorous, the Yellow-throated Warbler's diet expands to include berries and nectar when insects are less available. They are adept at foraging in trees and can catch insects mid-flight.

Conservation status

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