yellowthroats

Yellowthroats are a group of passerine birds belonging to the family Parulidae, commonly known as New World warblers. The most well-known species, and often the one referred to simply as "Yellowthroat," is the Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas). These small birds are characterized by their bright yellow throat and breast, which gives them their name.

Common Yellowthroats are found throughout North and Central America, inhabiting dense undergrowth in wetlands, meadows, and shrubby areas. They are migratory birds, with populations in the northern parts of their range traveling south for the winter. Their diet primarily consists of insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates, which they forage for in low vegetation.

The male Common Yellowthroat is easily identifiable by its yellow throat, black mask across its eyes, and olive-green upperparts. Females are similar but lack the black mask and have a duller yellow underside. Their song is a distinctive series of chip notes often described as "witchity-witchity-witch."

Several other species are also referred to as yellowthroats, including the Altamira Yellowthroat, Belding's Yellowthroat, and Hooded Yellowthroat, each with slightly different ranges and physical characteristics. These related species also typically inhabit brushy or marshy environments.