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Common Yellowthroat

(Geothlypis trichas)
Banded 8/22/97, Carmel, Indiana

General Information

The Common Yellowthroat, as its name implies, is an abundant species that winters throughout Central America, northwestern South America, the extreme southern US and most of the Caribbean islands. During the breeding season, it extends its range throughout the US and Canada south of the Northwest Territories. The preferred habitat for this species includes wet marshes, wet fields, and the brushy areas nearby. The male announces its presence with a very loud song that sounds like "wichity wichity wichity wich." Both the female and the male respond well to "pishing" and will often approach closely to investigate.

Thirteen races are recognized. The individual pictured here was captured in east central Indiana. The male is characterized by a black mask and a pale blue-gray forecrown band. The female lacks the mask and forecrown band.

Figures 1 through 3 show different views of an adult male. 

Figure 1 - Adult Male

Figure 2 - Adult Male

Figure 3 - Head and Face

Figure 4 - Upper Wing

Figures 4 through 6 show the wing patterns. Note especially in Figure 6 the amount of flight feather wear that can occur this late in the breeding season. Some of the primary tips are completely broken off.

Figure 5 - Underwing

Figure 6 - Flight Feather Wear

Figures 7 and 8 show the rectrices and undertail coverts respectively.

Figure 7 - Rectrices

Figure 8 - Undertail Coverts

In the winter months, individuals of the eastern race withdraw from their breeding range in North America and winter in the West Indies and Bahama Islands. This photo shows an adult male of the eastern race wintering in the Bahama Islands. Note the grayish forecrown band and the amount of brown on the head of this individual. Bahama Yellowthroats can be distinguished from these wintering birds by their heavier bill, grayer crown and more extensive mask. This individual was captured on Eleuthera Island. Resident Bahama Yellowthroats on Eleuthera are characterized by a yellowish forecrown band.

Figure 9 - Wintering in Bahamas

Nesting Behavior

Common Yellowthroats prefer to nest in thickets and along woodland edges near water. The cup nest of dead grasses, leaves and hair is just above ground level near the trunk of a shrub or small tree. Four whitish eggs with brown to black blotches are commonly produced. The female incubates the eggs, and young leave the nest at about 10 days. Two broods may be produced.

Banding Recoveries

According to records at the Bird Banding Laboratory in Laurel MD, a total 323,048 Common Yellowthroats have been banded since 1955. Of these, 645 have been recovered. This is a recovery rate of 0.199%.

Conservation Status

This species is one of the most common warblers throughout its range where suitable habitat is found. Common Yellowthroats feed on insects, spiders, some seeds and other small invertebrates. Although one of the most frequent cowbird hosts, populations seem to be holding steady. The Breeding Bird Census data shows population declines in some parts of its range, but increases in others.

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