The Gray-crowned Yellowthroat is normally found from northern Mexico southward through Panama. In the United States they are a vagrant, albeit with a number of sightings in far southern Texas near the Rio Grande river valley. The species was recorded as nesting in the United States in the late 1800s, and was even considered a relatively common breeder in a few counties along the Rio Grande. However, by 1920s they had seemingly disappeared. While occasional sightings occurred after that, it wasn't until 2005 that nesting in the U.S. was again confirmed, when a nest was found in Cameron County, Texas. Given the proximity to known nesting locations in northeastern Mexico, continued sightings in far southern Texas, and the potential impacts of a warming climate on the species' distribution, further breeding within the U.S. is considered likely.
Habitat
The Gray-crowned Yellowthroat inhabits dense shrubby vegetation, thickets, woodland edges, riparian corridors, second-growth forests, brushy pastures, and overgrown agricultural areas. It prefers habitats with thick low cover, often near streams, marshes, or other moist environments. The species is most commonly found in tropical and subtropical lowlands from Mexico through Central America and into northern South America.
Diet
The Gray-crowned Yellowthroat feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates, including beetles, caterpillars, spiders, ants, and flies. It forages low in dense vegetation, gleaning prey from leaves, stems, and branches while moving actively through shrubs and thickets. Small berries and other fruits may occasionally supplement its diet.
Behavior
Most foraging occurs while clambering and flitting through thick brush and thickets. Insects and spiders are gleaned directly from vegetation, although sometimes they will make short flights to capture flying insects in mid-air.
Nesting
The nest is a small cup built of grasses and leaves, usually placed in a thick clump of tall grass. The female usually lays between 2 and 4 eggs, and she alone incubates them. The eggs typically hatch after 10 to 12 days.
Song
The most commonly heard vocalization is a somewhat low-pitched chee-dle chee-dle chee-dle. Males sing frequently during the breeding season to establish territories and attract mates. The species also gives a variety of sharp chip notes and scolding calls while moving through dense vegetation.
Migration
The Gray-crowned Yellowthroat is primarily a resident species throughout its range from Mexico to northern South America. Most individuals remain in the same general area year-round, although some populations may make short local or seasonal movements in response to rainfall, water levels, or food availability. It is not considered a long-distance migratory species.
Interactive eBird map
Click here to access an interactive eBird map of Gray-crowned Yellowthroat sightings
Similar Species
Similar overall to Common Yellowthroat . The amount of black on the face of a Gray-crowned Yellowthroat varies across their range, but the black is typically limited to the lores and upper bill area, and is far less extensive than that on a Common Yellowthroat.
Conservation Status
The Gray-crowned Yellowthroat is classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature because of its wide distribution and large, stable population. It remains common across much of Mexico, Central America, and northern South America and readily occupies a variety of brushy and secondary-growth habitats. Although localized habitat loss may affect some populations, the species is not currently considered globally threatened.
Further Information
Photo Information
Photo by Amy McAndrews - August 22nd, 2008, Tehuantepec, Oaxaca, Mexico - Photo licensed under Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial NoDerivs 2.0 Generic License
