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.