Yellow Rumped Warbler
This western warbler was previously known as “Audubon’s Yellow Rumped Warbler.” The eastern variety was known as the Myrtle warbler. Not too long ago they were lumped under one name. However, there are some distinct differences. The western variety has a yellow chin, seen clearly here.
I was not aware of this bird until Mary, owner at Wild Birds Unlimited here in Albuquerque, noted it in one of her monthlhy columns in the Albuquerque Journal. The day I read it, I looked out at my bark butter feeder, and there were two of them, happily eating!
This is the first photo I have of this warbler. They move pretty quickly, and usually don’t sit around waiting for a photographer. 🙂 As things happen, I was photographing some of our very common house finches. They are in their breeding plumage now, and can be quite handsome. This little warbler decided to photobomb. It showed off all the key identification markers for our western variety of warbler.
To learn more about this warbler, check out The Cornell Lab of Ornithology and/or Bird Note.
We have a yard full of the eastern variety here in South Carolina. At any given time I can see a dozen of them in the shrubbery. Nice photo, Susan!
Hi, Carol. Thank you! I envy you a dozen of them at a time! There may be more here, I don’t know. If I had not seen the article, I might have completely overlooked these little guys (I hope not, but you never know 🙁 ). Have a great weekend!
Just saw a yellow-rumped at my suet feeder. No yellow chin here!
Hi, Anita! Thank you for dropping by! I really wonder about the decision to lump the eastern and western varieties together, because the appearance is different, but that’s why they don’t ask me about these decisions. 😉 Really nice to see you here.
Pretty little guy.
Hi, Tim. I thought it was, too. If I had not seen Mary’s emailed article last month, I think these little guys could have been around and I might not have been aware.
I just checked the ODFW site, and we do have them up here. I will be on the lookout!
http://www.dfw.state.or.us/species/birds/warblers.asp
Hi, Lavinia. I do hope you see some, now that you are looking for them! I’m really glad they were brought to my attention. Thanks for dropping by!