Widespread. Alternate Adult male has yellow crown, yellow sides, bright yellow rump, blue-gray upperparts, white wing bars, and white underparts with black breast. Two races, formerly considered separate species: "Audubon's" has yellow throat, "Myrtle" has white throat and thin white supercilium. Female is blue-gray overall with fine black streaks on back and breast, two white wing bars, and yellow sides and rump; female Audubon's has yellow throat and plain face. Female Myrtle has white throat, blackish auriculars, and pale supercilium. Immatures of both races are brownish overall with yellow sides and rump, diffuse streaks underneath, thin white eye arcs, and pale throat; immature Myrtle has more contrasting throat. In all plumages, tail shows white corner spots in flight.

Length: 14 (cm) Wingspan: 24 (cm)

Voice:

Short warbled (Audubon's) or trilled (Myrtle) phrases. Call is a single flat chip note.

Habitat:

Breeds in coniferous forests. During migration and winter, occurs in a wide variety of wooded areas.

Behavior:

Generally abundant and conspicuous, flashing yellow rump in flight. Forages at all levels of canopy, regularly down to ground, often on exposed perches. Nest is a cup of fine materials in coniferous tree. Forms large loose flocks in migration and winter, sometimes with other warblers. Unlike most other warblers, this species often pivots in place upon landing and continues to pivot to adjust its position as it moves through vegetation.

Feeding:

Forages by gleaning foliage and also makes short fly-catching sallies; eats a variety of insects and occasional berries. Sometimes visits suet feeders.