Common Yellowthroat - Geothlypis trichas
Common Yellowthroat - Geothlypis trichas
General Description
Upperparts olive-brown; throat and breast yellow; sides tan; belly whitish; adult male has a broad black mask, bordered above by white; immature male has a pale eye ring and an indistinct mask; 11-14 cm long (NGS 1983).
Diagnostic Characteristics
Differs from the kentucky warbler by lacking a yellow line over the eye. differs from the yellow-breasted chat in smaller size (chat 18 cm long) and lack of a white line extending from the top of the eye to the bill.
Distribution
Montana Range
Migration
Bozeman area normal migration periods: May 16-25 and Sept 10 -28.
Habitat
Occupies thick vegetation in wide range of habitats from wetlands to prairie to pine forest. (Guzy, Michael J. and Ritchison, Gary. The Birds of North America, No. 448, 1999).
Food Habits
The main foods of the Common Yellowthroat are insects and spiders. (Guzy and Ritchinson. 1999).
Reproductive Characteristics
The female arrives at the breeding grounds about a week later than the males. Female chooses the site and builds the nest. The nest is typically on or near (within 10 cm) the ground. Clutch size is one to 6 eggs, usually 4. (Guzy and Ritchinson. 1999). Near Fortine area, egg dates range from Jun 3-24. Statewide, it nests in June and July.