Measurements
Both Sexes
- Length
- 4.7–5.1 in
12–13 cm - Wingspan
- 6.3–7.9 in
16–20 cm - Weight
- 0.3–0.4 oz
9–11 g
Other Names
- Fauvette jaune, Paruline jaune (French)
- Chipe amarillo, Verdín amarillo (Spanish)
Cool Facts
- In addition to the migratory form of the Yellow Warbler that breeds in North America, several other resident forms can be found in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Males in these populations can have chestnut caps or even chestnut covering the entire head.
- The nests of the Yellow Warbler are frequently parasitized by the Brown-headed Cowbird. The warbler often builds a new nest directly on top of the parasitized one, sometimes resulting in nests with up to six tiers.
- Recent DNA-based studies indicate that the Chestnut-sided Warbler is the closest relative of the Yellow Warbler. Both sing similarly phrased songs, and Yellow Warblers regularly sing songs nearly identical to those of the Chestnut-sided Warbler.
Habitat
Open Woodland
- Breeds in wet, deciduous thickets, especially in willows.
- Also in shrubby areas and old fields.
- In southern Florida and farther south, found in mangroves.
Food
Insects
Insects and other arthropods, occasionally fruit.
Nesting
Nesting Facts
- Clutch Size
- 1–7 eggs
- Egg Description
- Color: Grayish or greenish white with dark spots and blotches around large end.
Size: 15.5-20.5 mm x 12.3-16.0 mm
(0.6-0.8 in x 0.5-0.6 in)
Incubation period: 10-13 days. - Condition at Hatching
- Helpless with sparse down.
Chicks fledge in 9-12 days.
Nest Description
Nest a deep cup of grasses and bark, covered on the outside with plant down and fine fibers, lined with fur or fine plant fibers. Placed in upright fork of shrub or tree.
Nest Placement
Shrub
© 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology
© 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Behavior
Foliage Gleaner
Captures insects by gleaning, flycatching, and hovering.
Conservation
Least Concern
Widespread and abundant; no clear continentwide trend in populations. Vulnerable in western areas where riparian habitats are affected by intense grazing and development.
Credits
- Lowther, P. E., C. Celada, N. K. Klein, C. C. Rimner, and D. A. Spector. 1999. Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia). In The Birds of North America, No. 454 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.