Adults
Description
Size: 5”
Plumage/Description: Male plumage includes a black mask across the face with a brilliant yellow throat, breast and belly. Head, back and wings are an olive/green color. Female plumage is very subdued compared to the male—no black mask, a paler yellow throat. Females are an overall drab, olive/green looking bird.
Habitat: Riparian/Deciduous
Time of year: Spring, Summer
Relative Abundance: Fairly common in appropriate habitat.
Behavior: Secretive and somewhat difficult to see, although they are easily heard. Typically found in stands of cat-o-nine tails in marshy areas. Very rarely do they stray very far from their preferred habitat.
Diet: Insects.
Similar species: The only other species in this area with a black mask is Cedar Waxwings, but they have a crest, and Common Yellowthroats do not. Female Yellowthroat could be confused with other warbler species such as Virginia’s, but they do not occur in the same habitat.
Best Sites: Watson Woods, Airport Recharge Ponds, golf courses with ponds.
