By Sally Siko

While exploring Carvers Creek SP in central NC, I encountered a feisty Common Yellowthroat warbler flitting around next to the trail.
I sat for a few minutes and watched the little fella make his way from stem to branch, moving quickly only to stop every so often to peck at the tiny insects hiding in the brush.
A few times he called out to his unseen mate nearby for whom I only caught a glimpse of when she briefly popped out of the tall grass for a split second.
What a beauty!

As their name suggests, yes the Common Yellowthroat is indeed a common sight here in NC.
In fact with a range stretching across the entire United States (except NM &AZ) , southern Canada and all the way down into Central America, these beautiful yellow and black birds are a familiar sight to many in the western hemisphere.
Interestingly they are a year round resident of eastern North Carolina and throughout the southeastern US. The rest of the population migrates between Canada and Central America during the spring and autumn months.

These striking looking birds are best found in dense, shrubby habitats near water, such as marshes, wetlands, and thickets. They are often found in clusters of cattails and other tall sedge grasses.
Though they are brightly colored, Common Yellowthroats can be tough to actually see given that they measure only 4.5” long. IMO best way to find one is to listen for the males “witchety-witchety-witchety” song emanating from the brush.
Then it’s a matter of squinting through the leaves to catch a look.

Btw, I’ve got a ton of fun group birding trips in North Carolina, South Carolina, Maine and New Jersey open for booking from now through December.
Check out the calendar below and book your next birding adventure with me today!

Photos by @sally_siko of @bestlife_birding on my mighty mirrorless monster, the @canonusa #R5

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