The Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) is a little warbler (5 inches) with some wrenlike characteristics. The male with a bright yellow throat and breast and a black mask. Females and immatures are olive-brown. They also have a yellow throat, buffy-yellow breast and buff belly, however they lack the black mask. For such a small bird, its loud song (witchity-witchity-witchity-witch) is attention getting. Its call, a husky chuck, is distinctive.

It is found in Canada's southern tier, throughout the US and southern Mexico.

You'll find the little Common Yellowthroat rustling in bushes along swamps and marshes, through wet thickets and along streamsides.

The nest is just a little cup of loose grass made on or near the ground. There are usually from 3 to 5 spotted eggs.

The plush yellowthroat shown above is made by Wild Republic and is part of their Audubon Birds collection. These birds are unique in that when squeezed they will utter their own particular call.

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