Life List 094
Visually documented
Common Yellowthroat
Geothlypis trichas
- First photographed
- June 28, 2026
- First location
- Utah, United States
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
An evolving study
Common Yellowthroat portfolio
This collection grows as I return to photograph new behavior, habitat, seasons, and stages of life.
Natural history
Species at a glance
Geothlypis trichas
Overview
The Common Yellowthroat is a widespread warbler of dense low vegetation, often heard giving its rhythmic song from marshes and wet thickets. It usually stays close to the ground but may climb to an exposed stem to sing.
Identification
Adult males have a bold black face mask bordered above by pale gray or white, a bright yellow throat and breast, and olive back. Females are olive-brown with a yellow throat and lack the mask.
Range
Breeds from Alaska and Canada through most of the United States and Mexico. Northern birds migrate to the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America.
Habitat
Marshes, wet meadows, streamside tangles, brushy fields, forest edges, and other dense low vegetation, usually near water.
Diet
Insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates gleaned from low foliage and stems.
Photography by Brittany Templin
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