Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia

Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia

This little yellow bird is a familiar sight in suburban and residential areas, where it frequents ornamental shrubs in the landscape. In wilder areas, it is often seen in willow and alder thickets. It is widespread and shows much geographical variation, and as many as seven races have been distinguished in North America; one very pale form occurs in the desert Southwest.

Identification Bright yellow below, yellow-green above, with 2 bold yellow patches in tail; male has thin rusty streaks on breast; usually somewhat brighter than female. Immature female olive-green; immature male resembles adult female.

Voice A cheerful, musical sweet-siveet-sweet, sitta, sitta, see; also a soft, distinctive chip call.

Habitat Woodlands and thickets, especially near streams; often in alder and willow thickets, gardens, and swampy areas.

Range Breeds from Alaska through most of Canada and United States; absent from tundra and from parts of the South. Winters in the tropics.