The Common Yellowthroat, Geothlypis trichas, is a New World warbler. It is an abundant breeder in North America from southern Canada to central Mexico.
Northern races are migratory, wintering in the southern parts of the breeding range, Central America and the West Indies. Southern forms are largely resident. This species is a very rare vagrant to western Europe.
The Common Yellowthroat has a brown back, yellow throat and white belly. The summer male has a black facemask, bordered above with gray. Females are similar, but lack the black mask.
There are 13 races, which differ mainly in the male's face pattern and the brightness of the yellow underparts. The southwestern forms are the brightest and most yellow below.
The breeding habitat is marshes and other wet areas with dense low vegetation. They may also be found in other areas with dense shrub, but are less common in dry areas. Females appear to prefer males with larger masks. Common Yellowthroats nest low in vegetation, laying 3-5 eggs in a cup nest. Both parents feed the young.
These birds feed on insects, which are usually captured in dense vegetation, but sometimes caught in midair. The song is a loud wichety wichety wichety wich. The call is a soft jip.
Despite a decline in numbers in some areas due to loss of favoured habitat, this species is still very common.
Reference
New World Warblers by Curson, Quinn and Beadle, ISBN 0-7136-3932-6
