The masked yellowthroat is a New World warbler. It has a number of separate resident breeding populations in South America. The black-lored yellowthroat and southern yellowthroat were formerly considered subspecies.
Region
Northern and eastern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowlands and foothills from Colombia and Venezuela through the Guianas and northern Brazil, with disjunct populations in parts of eastern Brazil and nearby regions. It inhabits marshes, wet meadows, reedbeds, and rank grassy or shrubby growth along streams, ponds, and rice fields. The species also uses mangrove edges and overgrown ditches where cover is dense. It tends to remain close to the ground or waterline and often forages from within vegetation. Human-modified wetlands can be used if sufficient cover is present.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The masked yellowthroat is a skulking New World warbler that favors dense, wet vegetation where it moves low and stays partially concealed. It consists of several disjunct resident populations across northern and eastern South America. The black-lored yellowthroat and the southern yellowthroat were formerly treated as subspecies but are now widely recognized as separate species. Males have a striking black facial mask, while females lack the mask and are notably duller.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats low over vegetation
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs during the breeding season, keeping to dense cover. Pairs defend small territories and build cup-shaped nests low in grasses or shrubs near water. Outside breeding, it may occur loosely with other marshland passerines but generally remains inconspicuous.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a bright, sweet series of whistles or trills delivered from concealed perches within dense vegetation. Calls include sharp, metallic chips and scolding notes when alarmed.
Plumage
Male with bright yellow underparts and olive upperparts; prominent black facial mask bordered by a pale gray band; wings and tail olive. Female is olive-brown above with yellowish underparts, lacking the mask and with a plainer face; overall more subdued. Both sexes show relatively rounded wings and a longish tail often flicked while foraging.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects, larvae, and spiders gleaned from leaves, stems, and reed litter. It occasionally sallies a short distance to snatch flying insects. Small berries or seeds may be taken opportunistically, especially outside the breeding season.
Preferred Environment
Forages within dense grasses, reeds, and shrubby cover at the edges of marshes, ponds, canals, and rice fields. Often keeps within a meter or two of the ground or water surface, moving methodically through tangles and reed clumps.
