Beak of the Week – Common Yellowthroat

The Common Yellowthroat is a small songbird that belongs to the diverse family of wood-warblers. This warbler is one of the most common and widespread of their family as their name suggests. Males are bright yellow with a distinct black face-mask and a thin white line just above it. These facial features are unique among warbler species in the U.S, and makes males easily identifiable. Females are a much more muted olive color overall, with yellow coloration on the throat and no black mask.

Common Yellowthroats are typically found in thick shrubs that are low to the ground. These birds are most commonly encountered at the edges of marshes or wetlands, but can sometimes be seen in grasslands or pine forests. Common Yellowthroats glean small insects and other small invertebrates off of the shrubs that they inhabit.

Common Yellowthroats are seen in all 48 states of the mainland U.S. at some time of year. They breed in the Northeast and Midwest portion of the U.S. and in most of Canada. Females build nests out of small pieces of grass and sedges in the same scrubby habitat where they forage. Common Yellowthroats are often victims of brood parasitism, in which a bird of another species (usually Brown-headed Cowbirds) lays an egg in their nest. They often abandon these nests immediately and find a new location to build another.

Common Yellowthroats are encountered year round along the Southeast portion of Texas. Come to our sanctuaries and see one of these birds for yourself! They are often heard before they are seen. In the winter time listen for a harsh “teek” call in the bushes, then keep an eye out for a Common Yellowthroat!