See all posts in the Birds of Carver County series
The Yellow-rumped Warbler is often the first of the warblers to come back to Carver County in the spring as they travel to their more northern breeding areas. Look for them to be here in early April through several weeks in May, then they’ll return at the end of August but be gone by mid- to late-October.
They are opportunist feeders, mainly insectivores. If our winter lasts longer than usual, these warblers can also be seen at suet feeders. During their autumn visit, look for them on fruiting trees and plants. When the days get shorter, and when the flying bugs stop hitting your windshield, many of the birds that eat them will be on their way south.
Like many of the North American warblers, the species name is based on its appearance. The yellow rump patch is sometimes visible when they are moving quickly through the leaves, but the bright yellow patches on its sides are more easily seen as we crane our necks to keep it in view. There are black streaks on its chest and sides, and a small yellow patch on the top of its head.
In the fall, those highlights become muted, and the overall plumage tone is more brown and gray. In western states, the yellow rump of the species is matched by a yellow throat. In our state, the throat is white, and it is known as the Myrtle sub-species because it is known to like the fruit of wax myrtle trees. The female looks about the same as the male, but with less contrast and color, so that it is less visible when on the nest. During fall migration, juveniles will have plumage similar to females.
Yellow-rumps are about the same size as Goldfinches – 5 inches long, with a 9-inch wingspan. According to the website All About Birds, the most common call is a sharp “chek.” Both sexes make this call frequently, while foraging and while flying.
The timing of their arrival here in the spring makes this one of the more often seen warblers. As our trees leaf out, and insect populations offer them more food, warblers almost never stop moving, and we are challenged to get a long view.
The scientific name for the yellow-rumped warbler (Setophaga coronata) is based on Latin and means “crowned moth-eater.” We would rather they ate lots of mosquitoes before they move northward. However, they still bring joy to the birders in Carver County, because they indicate that spring is arriving, and more warblers will be coming soon.
For more information:
- The Sibley Guide to Birds, David Allen Sibley
- Reader’s Digest Book of North American Birds
- Birds of Minnesota, Robert B. Janssen
- The Audubon Society’s Encyclopedia of North American Birds, John K. Terres
- Online: All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology LINK
- Online: Minnesota Breed Bird Atlas
