Plumage is highly variable depending upon the time of year. Three distinct plumage forms: juvenile, adult female, and adult male. The diagnostic feature present in all plumage forms is the bright yellow rump. This is a 'winter' visitor, therefore they are not in breeding plumage when they are here. Just about the time they are preparing to leave the males are in the process of molting and obtaining their breeding plumage. Variations in plumage depending upon sex and time of year can include yellow on the flanks, throat and crown of the head, in addition to the yellow rump. Gray head, back, wings and tail, with an extensive amount of white in the wing and tail feathers. Juveniles tend to be more of a pale brown color while adults are more gray in color. Note the broken eye-ring.

Plumage is highly variable depending upon the time of year. Three distinct plumage forms: juvenile, adult female, and adult male. The diagnostic feature present in all plumage forms is the bright yellow rump. This is a 'winter' visitor, therefore they are not in breeding plumage when they are here. Just about the time they are preparing to leave the males are in the process of molting and obtaining their breeding plumage. Variations in plumage depending upon sex and time of year can include yellow on the flanks, throat and crown of the head, in addition to the yellow rump. Gray head, back, wings and tail, with an extensive amount of white in the wing and tail feathers. Juveniles tend to be more of a pale brown color while adults are more gray in color. Note the broken eye-ring.

Common

Like other warbler species Yellow-rumped Warbler are very busy and active, as they flit about in the foliage of trees and shrubs searching for insects. This is the most common warbler species observed in residential settings, and can be very abundant, with several warblers present in a very small area. They are particularly fond of suet and frequently visit suet feeders throughout the day during the winter months.

Insects, suet

The Myrtle form of the Yellow-rumped Species

Watson Woods, Willow Lake, Heritage Park, in any residential neighborhood.