Measurements
Both Sexes
- Length
- 4.3–5.1 in
11–13 cm - Wingspan
- 5.9–7.5 in
15–19 cm - Weight
- 0.3–0.4 oz
9–10 g
Other Names
- Paruline masquée (French)
- Mascarita común, Reinita gargan tiamarilla, Caretica, Cigüita enmascarada, Reinita pica tierra (Spanish)
Cool Facts
- Nine species of yellowthroats currently are recognized, most living in Mexico, all with black masks and yellow throats. Even more recognizable forms exist, with 12 subspecies of the Common Yellowthroat described north of Mexico. Just what the boundaries are between species and subspecies in this taxonomic complex remains to be completely worked out.
- As a small bird, the Common Yellowthroat is vulnerable to a large number of bird-eating predators, such as Merlins and Loggerhead Shrikes. Yellowthroats occasionally are captured and eaten by unusual predators too. Observations have been made of Chuck-will's-widow eating yellowthroats on migration, and one adult Common Yellowthroat was taken from the stomach of a largemouth bass.
- The Common Yellowthroat is apparently monogamous within a breeding season and only infrequently will males be seen with two mates in their territory. Females, however, show no fidelity to their mates and often attract other males with their calls. The true genetic mating system of this species remains to be worked out.
- One subspecies of Common Yellowthroat is resident in the Rio Grande river delta in Texas. It holds territories throughout the winter, and not only keeps other individuals out of its territory, but it also keeps migrant yellowthroats of other races completely out of its habitat.
Habitat
Scrub
Common in thick vegetation from wetlands to prairies to pine forests. Frequently near water.
Food
Insects
Insects and spiders.
Nesting
Nesting Facts
- Clutch Size
- 1–6 eggs
- Egg Description
- White or creamy white with dark spots, blotches, and scrawls.
- Condition at Hatching
- Helpless and with a few wisps of down.
Nest Description
Nest a loose bulky cup of grass and other plant materials, placed on or near the ground.
Nest Placement
Shrub
Behavior
Foliage Gleaner
Gleans insects from foliage.
Conservation
Least Concern
Not threatened or endangered, but is decreasing in many areas. Local nonmigratory populations in some areas face potential extinction from habitat loss and disturbance.
Credits
- Guzy, M. J., and G. Ritchison. 1999. Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas). In The Birds of North America, No. 448 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.