Bird: Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas)

Height: 5"

Description: Warbler-like bird. The male has a conspicuous dark mask over dark eyes. Above mask is a white band. Cap of head and back are a dull olive; breast and throat are brilliant yellow. Legs are light pinkish; beak is short, sharp and dark. The female lacks the mask and throat and breast are less brilliant; shows a white eye-ring.

Voice: In the winter, a harsh, loud repeated "chuck". In the spring, a beautiful rolling "witchity witchity witchity witch." Audio is available at eNature.com.

Image courtesy Al Liberman

Feeding: Feeds on the ground among reeds and grasses, and sometimes in trees or bushes. Eats insects and seeds.

Behavior at Wakodahatchee: I almost always hear the Common Yellowthroat before I see it. They spend most of their time out of sight among thick grasses or reeds. When they venture into bushes or trees, they tend to stay within the thicker foliage. They are very nervous birds and are almost constantly in motion. They are beautiful birds with a beautiful song, and, although shy, are abundant enough that they are easy to spot. The Common Yellowthroat nests in thick grasses and reeds and will enter and leave the nesting sites at different spots to confuse predators.

Image courtesy Al Liberman

Click here for more information on The Common Yellowthroat from eNature.com