A medium-sized warbler with distinctive bright yellow rump patch. Most adaptable warbler — can digest waxy berries other birds can't.

Also called: Butter-butt; Myrtle Warbler; Audubon's Warbler

Native status: Native to North America

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 11–14 cm (4.3–5.5 in); wingspan 18–22 cm
Weight8–14 g
LifespanWild typically 3–5 years
OrderPasseriformes
FamilyParulidae

§ Encyclopedia

The yellow-rumped warbler is a regular North American bird species that can be commonly observed all across the continent. Its extensive range connects both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of the U.S. as well as Canada and Central America, with the population concentrated in the continent's northern reaches during the breeding season and migrating southwards to southern North and Central America in the winter. It generally prefers coniferous forests or mixed coniferous-deciduous forests as its breeding habitat, while during the winter it can be found inhabiting more open areas such as shrublands that offer food resources. The yellow-rumped warbler is primarily insectivorous, though the species does eat fruits such as juniper berries as well, especially in winter.

Source: Wikipedia — Yellow-rumped warbler Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Yellow rump ('butterbutt') in all plumages, plus yellow side patches. 'Myrtle' (East) has a white throat; 'Audubon's' (West) has a yellow throat. Breeding males boldly blue-gray, black, and white.

Similar species. The yellow rump combined with yellow side patches is diagnostic; Magnolia has a yellow rump but a black-and-white tail pattern.

Voice. A loose, musical warble or trill that often rises or falls slightly at the end; call a sharp 'check'.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Insects (caterpillars primary), spiders, occasional berries on migration.

Behavior. The most abundant and hardy migrant warbler; able to digest waxy bayberries lets it winter far north. Forages in flocks, flycatching and gleaning at all levels.

§ Range

Across North America

§ Habitat

Diverse: coniferous and mixed forests in summer; varied habitats in winter

§ Threats

Climate change, habitat loss.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the yellow-rumped warbler is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Plant native wax myrtle and other berry-producing shrubs. Maintain mature trees.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Cornell Lab of Ornithology — All About Birds
  • National Audubon Society
  • iNaturalist
  • IUCN Red List