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Yellow Warbler Identification

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The Four Keys to ID

  • Size & Shape

    Yellow Warblers are small, evenly proportioned songbirds with medium-length tails and rounded heads. For a warbler, the straight, thin bill is relatively large.

    Relative Size

    About the same size as a Yellow-rumped Warbler; slightly larger than an American Goldfinch.

    Relative Sizesparrow or smallersparrow-sized or smaller

    Measurements
    • Both Sexes
      • Length: 4.7-5.1 in (12-13 cm)
      • Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz (9-11 g)
      • Wingspan: 6.3-7.9 in (16-20 cm)

Regional Differences

Yellow Warblers differ only slightly across continental North America. Various subspecies that live year-round in the Caribbean and in mangrove forests of Central and South America have bright chestnut on the crown or over the entire head; these subspecies are often referred to as “Golden” or “Mangrove” Yellow Warblers. There is a very small population of “Mangrove” Yellow Warblers in extreme south Texas.