Yellow-breasted Chat
NameYellow-breasted Chat
Common NameYellow-breasted Chat
Scientific NameIcteria virens
FamilyIcteriidae
Wingspan (cm)25
Length (cm)18
Weight (g)23.5
Plumage DetailsAdults have a bright yellow throat and breast, contrasting sharply with a white belly and undertail coverts. The back, wings, and tail are olive-green. The head is gray with a prominent white eye-ring and lore, forming a 'spectacled' appearance. The bill is dark and relatively stout.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its highly varied and complex song, which is a jumble of whistles, cackles, squawks, chattering, and gurgling notes, often delivered from within dense vegetation. It also has a distinctive 'chatter' call.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across much of the eastern and central United States and parts of southern Canada. Winters primarily in Mexico and Central America, with some individuals reaching the Caribbean.
Identifying FeaturesBright yellow breast and throat, White spectacles around the eyes, Olive-green back, Relatively large size for a 'warbler', Skulking behavior in dense vegetation, Unique, varied song
Description
A large, chunky songbird with a distinctive bright yellow breast and throat, olive-green back, and a gray head with prominent white 'spectacles' around its eyes. It is known for its skulking behavior in dense thickets and its complex, varied vocalizations.
