The yellow-throated warbler is a small migratory songbird species in the New World warbler family (Parulidae) found in temperate North America.
Region
Eastern North America and Caribbean
Typical Environment
Breeds primarily across the southeastern and eastern United States, favoring pine forests, cypress-tupelo swamps, and mature live oak woodlands. In winter it moves to the Gulf Coast, southern Florida, the Bahamas, West Indies, and parts of eastern Mexico and northern Central America. It is closely associated with habitats featuring Spanish moss and mature conifers. During migration it can occur in a variety of wooded habitats and along riparian corridors.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The yellow-throated warbler often forages along branches and trunks, reminiscent of a nuthatch or creeper, picking insects from bark and needle clusters. It frequently nests in hanging clumps of Spanish moss or in high forks of pines and cypresses. Many populations winter in the Caribbean and Central America, with some remaining year-round along the Gulf Coast and in southern Florida.
S. d. albilora in Castlewood State Park, Missouri; pure white supercilium
Upperside coloration
Yellow-throated warbler in Estell Manor, New Jersey.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile, direct flights through the canopy
Social Behavior
Pairs defend territories during the breeding season, nesting high in trees, often in Spanish moss or in dense foliage near the trunk. Outside of breeding, they may join mixed-species flocks in migration and on wintering grounds. Nests are cup-shaped and well concealed, and both sexes participate in territory defense.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A clear, ringing series of sweet, slightly buzzy notes that often descends in pitch. Calls include sharp chips and thin seep notes given while foraging or in flight.
