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Yellow-breasted Chat Identification

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The Four Keys to ID

  • Size & Shape

    Chats are small songbirds but are larger and bulkier than warblers or vireos. They have a long tail, large head and a relatively thick, heavy bill.

    Relative Size

    Larger than a Yellow Warbler; smaller than an American Robin.

    Relative Sizebetween sparrow and robinbetween sparrow and robin

    Measurements
    • Both Sexes
      • Length: 7.1 in (18 cm)
      • Weight: 0.8-1.1 oz (23-31 g)
      • Wingspan: 9.8 in (25 cm)

Regional Differences

Individuals that breed west of the western Great Plains and West Texas have a longer white malar or mustache stripe, slightly grayer upperparts, and slightly longer tails.