The common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) is a small songbird that is found throughout much of North America. Despite its name, there is some debate among birders as to whether the common Yellowthroat is actually all that “common”. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the abundance and distribution of the common Yellowthroat to try to answer the question – are common Yellowthroats rare?
What is a common Yellowthroat?
The common Yellowthroat is a type of warbler, measuring around 5 inches in length. They get their name from the bright yellow throat and chest of the males. Females are similar in appearance but have a paler yellow color. Common Yellowthroats have an olive back, wings, and tail, with a grayish belly. Their breeding habitat is wetlands and marshy areas with dense low vegetation. In winter they migrate south to the southern U.S., Mexico, and Central America. Common Yellowthroats eat insects and spiders, which they glean from vegetation.
Common Yellowthroats are best known for the males’ distinctive breeding call – a loud, rolling “witchity witchity witchity” song. This helps identify them and attract mates in the dense marsh habitat where they nest. They build cup-shaped nests low in vegetation, often over water. Males may mate with multiple females in a season. On average, females lay 3-5 eggs per clutch and can raise multiple broods in a year.
Abundance and distribution
The common Yellowthroat has an extremely large breeding range that covers much of North America. Their breeding habitat extends from Alaska and Canada south throughout the continental United States and into Mexico. East to west their range spreads from the Atlantic to the Pacific coasts. According to the North American Breeding Bird Survey, there are estimated to be 82 million common Yellowthroats in North America.
Within their widespread breeding range, common Yellowthroats are found in suitable marshy habitat such as:
- Freshwater and brackish marshes
- Swamps
- Wet meadows
- Bogs
- Damp thickets
- Lake and pond edges with vegetation
They are less common in drier areas away from wetlands. But overall, their numbers and distribution make the common Yellowthroat one of the most abundant warbler species in North America.
Population trends
Data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey shows that common Yellowthroat populations are stable or even increasing over the long-term:
- From 1966 to 2019, common Yellowthroats increased by 23% overall
- Trends were positive in most regions they inhabit, including the Northeast, Midwest, Southeast, and West
- Parts of the Southwest and Pacific Coast showed declines
The table below summarizes the population change data for common Yellowthroats from 1966-2019:
Region | Population Trend 1966-2019 |
---|---|
Northeast | +45% increase |
Midwest | +32% increase |
Southeast | +13% increase |
West | +13% increase |
Southwest | -26% decrease |
Pacific Coast | -10% decrease |
The increases in most regions counterbalance the declines, resulting in the overall stable to increasing population trend. These survey results indicate the common Yellowthroat continues to thrive across North America.
Threats and conservation status
Although common Yellowthroat populations are stable, the loss of wetland habitats does pose a threat. Draining or filling of marshes for development removes crucial nesting and foraging habitat. Use of pesticides and pollution can also reduce food sources and nesting success. Climate change leading to altered rainfall and drying of wetlands is a potential long-term threat.
However, the common Yellowthroat’s large range and population size provide resilience. They are also an adaptable species that can nest in a variety of wet, dense habitats. While locally common Yellowthroats may decline if specific marshes are lost, their populations bounce back as they disperse to new areas.
The common Yellowthroat is considered a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List due to its large and growing population. They are not listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act or Canadian Species at Risk Act.
Are common Yellowthroats rare?
In summary, while the common Yellowthroat depends on wetland habitats, which are threatened in some regions, the evidence suggests this species is not rare overall:
- Extremely large breeding range across North America
- Population estimated at 82 million and increasing
- Not listed as threatened or endangered
The loss of local wetlands can negatively impact common Yellowthroats in that area, but they are numerous enough to rebound in most cases. Their adaptability to nest in various wet, shrubby habitats also boosts resiliency.
Conclusion
Based on their widespread and abundant population, the common Yellowthroat remains one of the most common warblers in North America. While continued wetland conservation is needed, especially in the Southwest and West Coast, current trends and conservation status do not suggest that common Yellowthroats are a rare bird overall.