Common Yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

Common Yellowthroats are one of the most widespread and common warblers, and one of a handful that breeds in South Dakota.  They are the only warblers that nest in marshes and wetlands, and can also be found in a wide variety of other brushy, wet habitats.  While being quite common and vocal, they can be quite difficult to spot, as they often stay hidden amongst thick vegetation.  The wich-ity wich-ity wichity song of the Common Yellowthroat is a common sound in wetlands in the spring and early summer.  A male is pictured in the photo on the right.  Females are much less brightly marked (see additional photos at the bottom of the page).

Habitat: Prefers dense thickets near water, such has thick wetland vegetation, shrubby streamsides, and brushy wet fields

Diet: Primarily insects. Will occasionally feed on seeds. 

Behavior: Forages by moving through low vegetation, gleaning insects from foliage and the ground.  Will also occasionally fly out from a perch to catch flying insects. 

Nesting: June and July

Breeding Map: Breeding Bird Survey map

Song: Yellowthroat Song, also Yellowthroat Call

Migration: Summers throughout most of the U.S. and the southern half of Canada.  Winters near the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, the California coast, Mexico, and Central America.

Similar Species: Males are quite distinctive...possibly confused with Kentucky Warbler.  Females can be confused with Mourning Warbler or Connecticut Warbler.

Conservation Status: Widespread and common, but with local declines due to habitat loss and degradation.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Common Yellowthroat

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Common Yellowthroat"

3) eNature.com -- Common Yellowthroat

Photo Information: May 28th, 2006 -- Atkins Slough near Tea, Lincoln County -- Terry Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Common Yellowthroat photos.