Would you call this bird "Common"?

The Common Yellowthroat is anything but common, or so that's my view. Of course the designation stems not from the bird's appearance, obviously, but from his abundant numbers. Other "common" birds that come to mind are Robins, Blue Jays, Cardinals . . . well, you understand. But most people overlook the "common" Yellowthroat for a few reasons: this bird is small, eats insects and spiders (so you won't find her at a seed feeder), and most people don't recognize the Yellowthroat's song. (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.)

If you did recognize the haughty song (witchity, witchity, witchity, witch) or, if you prefer my interpretation ("The witch is here! The witch is here!"), then you'd often hear this very vocal bird.

In fact, you can hear an audio of his song right now if you visit my July 3 posting (right below).

But catching sight of the very handsome male with his black mask and bright yellow chest is harder than you might think. As an insect eater, this bird spends lots of time in shrubs, trees, and other dense vegetation, so unless that's where you're looking, you won't easily spot one. And of course the female is much more muted in color than the male. (When have you heard this before?) Her face is olive (no mask, typically) and coloring paler overall. In fact, I can guarantee that you won't recognize the female Yellowthroat the first time you see one, unless of course, you see her in the company of a male. That might give her away.

Go outside today and try to find a Common Yellowthroat by ear! See just how "common" they are!

Till next time . . . happy birding!

Georgia Anne