Setophaga dominica
The Yellow-throated Warbler (Setophaga dominica) is a vibrant and distinctive member of the New World warbler family, Parulidae, prized by birders for its striking appearance and unique foraging habits. Measuring 13-14 cm (5.1-5.5 inches) in length with a wingspan of 20-22 cm (7.9-8.7 inches) and weighing 8.5-12 grams (0.3-0.4 ounces), this medium-sized warbler boasts a brilliant yellow throat and upper breast that contrasts sharply with its white belly and flanks, which are subtly streaked w...
Primarily found in mature pine forests, cypress swamps, and sycamore-lined riverine woodlands, typically at low to mid-elevations.
Mainly insectivorous, feeding on caterpillars, beetles, spiders, and other small invertebrates, primarily obtained by gleaning and probing bark; occasionally consumes nectar or small fruits during migration.
This diurnal species is an active, arboreal forager, often observed creeping headfirst down tree trunks and branches or probing bark crevices with its slender bill, much like a nuthatch, though it also gleans insects from foliage and occasionally hawks them in mid-air. Males are highly territoria...
The Yellow-throated Warbler's breeding range encompasses much of the southeastern United States, extending from southern Pennsylvania west through the Ohio and Mississippi River Valleys to eastern Oklahoma and south to Florida and eastern Texas. Isolated populations also breed in the northern Bah...
Least Concern
- The Yellow-throated Warbler is one of the few warblers known to forage by creeping headfirst down tree trunks, a behavior more commonly associated with nuthatches. - Four recognized subspecies exist, with one, 'albilora' (the Western Yellow-throated Warbler), distinguished by its entirely white...