Warblers

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

The most abundant and widespread warbler in North America, recognized by its distinctive yellow rump, yellow side patches, and yellow crown. The Myrtle form common in Alaska has a white throat.

Where to look

Forest edges, alder thickets, and shrubby areas throughout Kodiak Island; one of the hardiest warblers, sometimes wintering.

Habitat

Coniferous and mixed forests; shrubby edges during migration.

Diet

Insects in summer; berries (especially wax myrtle) in migration and winter.

Natural history note

Yellow-rumped Warblers can digest the wax coatings of bayberries and wax myrtles—a unique ability among warblers that allows them to winter further north.