Home, near and far.
This species breeds across much of Canada and Alaska, extending south through the western and northeastern United States. It winters from the southern U.S. through Mexico and Central America, and into the Caribbean.
Birds Heard
FIELD GUIDE
FIELD GUIDE
New World Warblers
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Setophaga coronata
The Yellow-rumped Warbler is a widespread and abundant North American songbird, easily recognized by its distinctive yellow rump patch. This adaptable species exhibits regional variations in plumage, historically leading to different forms being considered separate species. Its ability to digest waxy berries allows it to winter further north than most other warblers.
MigratoryMedium-sizedInsectivorous, FrugivorousVaried calls
- Length
- 12-15 cm
- Wingspan
- 19-24 cm
Typical adult measurements.
Individuals and populations vary.
01 / The telltale details
You’ll know it
when you see it.
Start with shape and behavior. Then look for the smaller details.
- 01
Yellow Rump Patch
All plumages and subspecies display a bright yellow patch on the rump, visible even in winter.
- 02
Throat Color (subspecies dependent)
Eastern 'Myrtle' Warblers have a white throat, while western 'Audubon's' Warblers exhibit a yellow throat.
- 03
Breeding Male Plumage
Males in breeding plumage are striking with gray, black, and bold white markings, and yellow on the crown, sides, and rump.
- 04
Winter Plumage
In winter, birds are duller brown and streaky, but still retain the yellow rump and often some yellow on the sides.
02 / A place in the world
Where life
takes it.
During the breeding season, Yellow-rumped Warblers prefer coniferous or mixed coniferous-deciduous forests. In winter, they can be found in more open areas, including shrublands, parks, and residential areas, often near coastal vegetation.
Stay a while. Or follow the season.
Yellow-rumped Warblers are short- to medium-distance migrants, with populations concentrating in northern regions for breeding and moving south for winter. The extent of migration can vary annually based on environmental conditions.
03 / Listen a little closer
A voice
of its own.
Their vocalizations include a distinctive, sharp chip note. The song is a musical trill, varying regionally.
04 / The life behind the feathers
A day in its world.
On the menu.
Their diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates, especially during the breeding season. In fall and winter, they supplement their diet extensively with fruits, notably waxy berries like bayberry and wax myrtle.
These warblers are versatile foragers, often seen fluttering from trees to catch flying insects. They also glean insects from foliage and will consume berries from shrubs, sometimes foraging in mixed flocks.
A place to begin.
The female constructs an open cup nest, typically on a horizontal branch of a coniferous tree. Nests are made of bark fibers, weeds, and twigs, lined with finer materials. She usually lays four creamy white eggs with brown markings.
The little routines.
Yellow-rumped Warblers are active birds, often conspicuous as they pursue insects with acrobatic flights. In winter, they may gather in small groups and can be seen foraging alongside other bird species.
One more reason to pay attention
A familiar face.
A few surprises.
The Yellow-rumped Warbler is unique among warblers for its ability to digest the waxes found in bayberries and wax myrtles, allowing it to winter in colder climates.
Historically, the 'Myrtle' and 'Audubon's' Warblers were considered separate species before being merged into the Yellow-rumped Warbler.
The scientific name *Setophaga coronata* roughly translates to 'crowned moth-eater,' referring to its yellow crown and insectivorous diet.
05 / An eye for the difference
Could it be
someone else?
Black-throated Grey Warbler
Setophaga nigrescensBlack-throated Gray Warblers have extensive black on the throat and face, and lack a yellow rump.
Townsend's Warbler
Setophaga townsendiTownsend's Warblers have a black throat and extensive yellow on the face, differing from the Yellow-rumped Warbler's patterns.
Behind these field notesResearch & references · 12 sources
AI-assisted species research. Prepared September 2026. Details can vary across regions and populations.