COMMON YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis trichas) COYE Sample size: 674 |
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This species consists of a complex of numerous subspecies, several of which differ considerably in their plumage. Due to the widespread nature of the species and the fact that some populations are migratory while others are resident, migratory patterns have been difficult to define [Bent 1953, Guzy and Ritchison 1999]. This wren-like warbler is among the most widespread and common of warbler species' in North America. It breeds in all of Canada’s provinces and territories, in the 48 contiguous states, and in the southernmost parts of Alaska [Dunn and Garrett 1997]. It also breeds in Baja and mainland Mexico [Howell and Webb 1995]. Yellowthroats are most abundant in the north and the east, where they inhabit damp brushy, weedy, and marshy areas [Dunn and Garrett 1997]. In drier parts of their range, they usually occur near wetlands, again preferring thick, brushy vegetation [Dunn and Garrett 1997]. Wintering areas include the southeastern coastal plain of the U.S., southern California, Mexico, Central America, the Greater Antilles, and Bermuda [Guzy and Ritchison 1999 (BNA)]. They are casual in South America to western Venezuela [Paynter 1995]. Spring migration involves a broad front moving northward at approximately the same rate across the U.S. [Dunn and Garrett 1997] and is quite protracted [Bent 1953]. Migration may begin in Florida as early as early February and can continue until late May [Guzy and Ritchison 1999 (BNA)]. Yellowthroats also occur as year-round residents in Florida, potentially complicating the observation of migrants [Bent 1953]. Individuals migrating from Central and South America may cross the Gulf of Mexico in the spring [Guzy and Ritchison 1999 (BNA)]. Migrants typically reach New England in early May, but peak in Massachusetts in mid-May [Veit and Petersen 1993]. Common Yellowthroats are considered very common migrants in this state [Veit and Petersen 1993]. They reach their northernmost breeding areas during the last week in May [Bent 1953]. As in other warbler species, migration is nocturnal [Lowery 1946] and males arrive before females in the spring [Francis and Cooke 1986]. Common Yellowthroats prefer the same habitats during migration as in the breeding season but may also use drier areas with dense vegetation [Dunn and Garrett 1997, Guzy and Ritchison 1999].
Fall migration also seems to take place on a broad front, although there is little known about peak movements in the west [Dunn and Garrett 1997]. Yellowthroats gradually leave their breeding areas, again creating a prolonged migratory period [Dunn and Garrett 1997]. Migration in northern areas begins in mid-August and continues through late September [Guzy and Ritchison 1999 (BNA)]. Yellowthroats also depart Massachusetts at this time [Veit and Petersen 1993]. Some individuals linger through early winter, but it is thought that most of these do not survive the winter [Veit and Petersen 1993]. Those that remain in Massachusetts are typically found on the southeastern coastal plain [Veit and Petersen 1993]. Most migrants using the eastern flyway reach Florida by September and October, but can also be found migrating into December [Guzy and Ritchison 1999 (BNA)]. Both adults and immatures appear to migrate at the same time in the fall [Woodrey and Chandler 1997].
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Observations
Common Yellowthroats are warblers that prefer denser shrub and herb layers, but sparse forest canopy. This is true in winter, breeding or migration habitats. In NH, VT and MA, B sites were most favored, C sites least frequented. The exception was a huge preference for CT A sites along the main river floodplain near Hartford. By far the greatest number of yellowthroats was recorded at this location.
The species was first recorded in CT in period 2, and in the more three northern states in period 3. Peak numbers were noted in period 4 in all states. Individual transect counts varied considerably, from zero to double digits. |
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COYE Map
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