The Yellow Warbler – The Sounds of Spring
- M B
- May 22
- 2 min read
It is early morning, and the early rays of the warm spring sun are slanting across the grassy trail. The thickets on both sides are turning green, and the buds on the trees are ready to pop. You notice some new sounds coming from the surrounding bushes and realize that many of the migratory birds are arriving, and some, like the Brown Thrasher, have been here for weeks now.
Suddenly, on your right, a bubbly, warbling song rises out of the nearby thickets. It stops you in your tracks with its rich, warm tones. It captures your attention and roots you to the ground as the sound reaches your ears again.
You know the spring warbler migration is still a week or two away, but there is no mistaking this bird song.
Scanning the tops of the bushes, you see it! A tiny movement of sunshine, with reddish streaks across its breast, stopping momentarily to proudly announce its early arrival.
It is the return of the Yellow Warbler, the very definition of spring itself…or it should be.
Around 4 ½ to 5 ½ inches long, the Yellow Warbler is one of the more numerous warblers across North America. They are all yellow, with the male bird sporting the aforementioned reddish streaks on his breast, while the female may have more subdued streaks or none at all.
The Yellow Warbler prefers the open woodlands, orchards, and open bushy habitats. It is generally not shy, and forages lower to the ground, so spotting one should be easier than other warbler species. You will find it moving from shrub to shrub, looking for its next meal, which consists of spiders and insects.
The Yellow Warbler is one of the first warblers to arrive in the spring, often several weeks before the big spring migration. One shouldn’t have to go far to find them, either. Their range covers all of North America, and they are very common.
The Yellow Warbler is a good bird to introduce someone new to birding, as they are so easy to observe and the chances of seeing one in your area are great.
This sunny little warbler should be able to get even the most hardened human to smile and embrace the warm new spring day.
So the next time you need some cheering up, find your local shrub and listen for the song of peace, and observe the bird of sunshine.
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