The southern yellowthroat is a New World warbler. It has a number of separate resident breeding populations in South America from southeastern Peru, eastern Bolivia, and south Amazonian Brazil to Argentina and Uruguay. It was previously considered a subspecies of the masked yellowthroat.
Region
South America
Typical Environment
Occurs in scattered resident populations from southeastern Peru, eastern Bolivia, and south-central Amazonian Brazil south to northern Argentina and Uruguay. Prefers wetlands with dense emergent vegetation such as cattails, reedbeds, wet grasslands, and marshy edges of lakes and slow rivers. It also uses shrubby riparian thickets, rice fields, canal margins, and wet pastures, especially where cover is abundant. Avoids interior of closed forests, favoring open, moist habitats with dense low cover.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Males show a striking black facial mask bordered by gray, while females lack the mask and are duller, which can make pair identification easier. The species was formerly treated as part of the Masked Yellowthroat complex but is now split based on vocal and plumage differences. It keeps low in dense marsh vegetation and often flicks its tail while foraging. Its song varies geographically across its disjunct South American populations.
Temperament
secretive and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically found singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low in dense grasses or marsh vegetation. Pairs are generally monogamous, and males sing from exposed perches at the marsh edge. Outside breeding, may join loose mixed wetland bird assemblages but remains skulking.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a bright, chattering series of notes with a rapid, rollicking quality, often delivered from a low perch. Calls include sharp chips and scolds given from cover, especially when alarmed or when foraging in dense reeds.
