Fauna
Bird

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

Also known as Butterbutt, Myrtle Warbler, Audubon's Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warblers are among the hardiest songbirds in North America, uniquely capable of digesting the waxy coatings of bayberry and wax myrtle berries during cold winter months. Easily recognized by the vibrant yellow patches on their rump, sides, and crown, these energetic foragers flit tirelessly through forest canopy and coastal scrub alike. During spring and autumn migration, massive flocks gather along coastlines and forest edges, filling the air with sharp, metallic contact calls.

MigratorySongbirdInsectivore
Yellow-rumped Warbler reference1 / 7
(c) Dan Vickers, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Dan Vickers · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyCaterpillars, Spiders, Wax Myrtle Berries
Predators
  • Sharp-shinned Hawk
  • Merlin
  • Domestic Cat
ThreatsHabitat loss, glass collisions, pesticide use
HabitatsConiferous forests, mixed woodlands, coastal shrublands
Life span5–7 years
Classification
  1. OrderPasseriformes
  2. FamilyParulidae
  3. GenusSetophaga
  4. SpeciesSetophaga coronata
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Spotting: Look for a flash of bright yellow on the lower back as it flits between branches.
  • Attracting: Plant native berry bushes such as juniper or bayberry to provide crucial winter fuel.
  • Listening: Listen for a distinctive, sharp 'check' call note repeated while actively foraging.
Related species
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