The well-named Yellow-rumped Warblers could get your
attention now, but certainly should next spring when they pass through Wisconsin,
headed back to Canada and Alaska.
Widespread and common, they’re still passing through, but in their non-breeding fall colors now.
Not as bold, brilliant and conspicuous as in the spring, but still highly
visible. You will have to be
slightly more focused to discover them. They hang around at eye-level and above
in brushy areas.
They may still be singing in fall, so listen as well as
watch. Males sing a soft, sweet, warbled song. Without territories to defend, birds in
general are less vocal in the fall of the year, but you might hear some
vocalizations.
This male has molted into his less colorful form for the
winter. Still bright in comparison
to other birds, he will be splendid in spring, when his blacks are blacker and
his yellows are brighter, all set off against charcoal grey and white. Make an effort to find him when he’s
all dressed-up next year.
The female too will be more colorful and conspicuous in
spring, although remaining brown-backed and streaked for nesting camouflage.
She seems to be able to hide or display as much of her yellow rump as she
wishes. I doubt she shows any at
all when she is sitting on eggs, but it’s on full display in flight and when
she wants to be seen.
They will all be gone from Wisconsin soon, mainly wintering
in the southeastern United States and Mexico, but spring and the springtime
protocols bring them back every year.
Look for them.
Even if you
can’t identify any other bird, the Yellow-rumped Warbler should be a
no-brainer.
Allan
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