![]() The yellow crown patch can be concealed much of the time. Both forms have a yellow rump patch which has elicited the species’ affectionate Northwest nickname of “Butterbutt.” They also have yellow patches just below the wings. The Myrtle also has a thin eyebrow stripe which is missing on Audubon’s. The Myrtle form has a white to pale throat which curves up behind a darker ear patch. Briefly, Audubon’s form has a yellow throat patch, with a dark but plain face. The two forms are distinguishable by plumage differences. When they can, these warblers will fly out to catch insects which dominate their diet in spring and summer. In some areas it is the only warbler present in the winter months (Dunn and Garrett). ![]() This warbler is quite hardy and due to its specialization in being able to digest waxy berries such as wax myrtle, bayberries, poison ivy and juniper berries, it is able to winter farther north than any other warbler. The species name coronata from the Latin for wreath or crown refers to the bird’s yellow crown (Holloway). The Yellow-rumped Warbler is now part of the genus Setophaga, moth eater, from the Greek setos, moth, referring to warblers in this genus that will hawk for insects. Intergrades of the species exhibit a combination of appearance characteristics. A zone of interbreeding between the two forms exists along a diagonal following the northern Rockies at the border of British Columbia and Alberta (Dunn and Garrett). Both forms are seen in Washington with Audubon’s more common and Myrtle more often seen in spring and fall migration. auduboni in the west, the Yellow-rumped Warbler is the most widespread and most common warbler in North America. Scientific Name: Setophaga coronata Length 5.5 in Wingspan 9.25 in Weight 0.43 oz AOU Band code YRWAįormerly listed as two separate species, Myrtle Warbler S.c.coronata in Eastern North America and Audubon’s Warbler S.
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