Their plumage is rather plain but their incessant tail-bobbing is only duplicated by the Prairie Warbler (with a surprisingly similar distribution). The Yellow Warbler nests throughout most of Canada, Alaska, and at least two-thirds of the area covered by the lower 48 U.S. states. But the yellow-rump had my attention. Nov. 30 (UPI) --Two genes that dictate the unique colors and plumage patterns of New World warbler species evolved via two distinct processes, researchers have … This may be why it is not uncommon to see birders wandering around in a haze this time of year as if they just hitched a ride with a Bob Marley cover band on … Above is a fall male Yellow Warbler. It’s also called "butter butt" for its yellow upper rump patch, easily see when it flies or perches back to you. Political buffs, don’t go there…) Tennessee Warbler females are green as a gourd, lacking the gray head of the males. This Wood Warbler is unmistakable in male breeding plumage and autumn immatures are likely confused only with the young of Black-throated Green or Yellow-throated Warblers. The genus name Setophaga is from Ancient Greek ses, "moth", and phagos, "eating", and the specific petechia is from Italian petecchia, a small red spot on the skin. :) What good is a warbler? The American yellow warbler is sometimes colloquially called the "summer yellowbird". 17. They breed in northern states such as Minnesota, but migrate south in the fall to Central America. There is a fair range in appearance among Yellow Warbler subspecies, as well as individual variability; these need to be taken into consideration, especially in areas where two or more subspecies may occur in migration. Cape May vs. Yellow-rumped . Look for tail spots, a pair of heavy white wing bars, gray face, light streaking on the flanks, and a broad yellow superciliary line. You might not notice them much but if you removed them you would sure see and feel the difference. In breeding plumage the streaks are bright scarlet red. The Golden-winged Warbler is easy to identify thanks to it’s distinct gray plumage with bright yellow markings on the head and wings. Description and taxonomy. Some (usually adult males) have obviously yellowish underparts with dark streaking, bold wing bars, and the clear remains of chestnut color on the face. The Yellow-rumped Warbler breeds from eastern North America west to the Pacific, and southward from there into Western Mexico. Another superlative associated with the Yellow Warbler is the species' incredible diversity: 37 subspecies are recognized, divided among four groups. Other than in male breeding plumage and body size, all warbler subspecies are very similar. https://watermanbirdclub.org/bird/tennessee-warbler-fall-plumage Yellow-rumped Warbler in non-breeding plumage eating dried bay berries. 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