adult; no sexual dimorphism (California, USA; 2010-05-06)


Yellow-breasted Chat
Icteria virens

Native Range: North America and Middle America

Notes: an atypically large warbler whose evolutionary relationships have long been debated, although genetic evidence indicates that it is indeed a parulid; inhabits open brushy areas and fields; male's peculiar courtship flight bouncy and almost butterfly-like; song extremely variable with chuckles, whistles, and chrps all jumbled in long sequences.

dorsal view; olive upperside, yellow breast (California, USA; 2010-05-06)
ventral view; yellow breast, white belly (California, USA; 2007-05-19)

blending into field of mustard (California, USA; 2006-05-21)
white spectacles and lore area (California, USA; 2006-05-13)

courtship flight (California, USA; 2006-05-13)
posing for portrait (California, USA; 2010-05-06)