Geothlypis poliocephala
The Grey-crowned Yellowthroat, Geothlypis poliocephala, is a distinctive and visually striking New World warbler primarily found in Central America. Measuring approximately 13 cm (5.1 inches) in length and weighing around 10-12 grams, this species is characterized by its bright yellow underparts, olive-green back, and, most notably, a soft grey crown contrasting sharply with a vibrant yellow throat. Males possess a prominent black mask extending from the bill through the eye, which is duller ...
Found in a variety of open, brushy habitats including scrubby fields, dense thorny thickets, woodland edges, and disturbed areas, often near water sources but tolerant of drier conditions, typically at low to moderate elevations.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a wide range of small invertebrates including spiders, beetles, caterpillars, and other arthropods, which they glean from low vegetation.
Grey-crowned Yellowthroats are diurnal and notoriously skulking, often remaining concealed within dense vegetation, making them challenging to observe. They forage low to the ground, actively gleaning insects from foliage and branches with quick, jerky movements. Males are highly territorial duri...
The Grey-crowned Yellowthroat is a resident species distributed throughout much of Mexico and Central America. Its range extends from southern Sonora, Sinaloa, Nayarit, Jalisco, Michoacán, Oaxaca, and the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, south through Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicarag...
Least Concern
- The Grey-crowned Yellowthroat is one of the few species in the diverse Geothlypis genus to sport a prominent grey crown, giving it a distinctive appearance among its relatives. - Unlike many other yellowthroats that favor wet, marshy habitats, this species often thrives in drier, thorny scrubla...