Yellow-breasted chat
Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens) is a large songbird species found in North America, particularly within the United States and Mexico. It is the only member of the genus Icteria, and until recently, it was classified within the family Parulidae (the New World warblers). However, due to its distinct characteristics and after extensive genetic studies, it has been reclassified into its own family, Icteriidae.
Description[edit | edit source]
The Yellow-breasted Chat is notable for its size, being considerably larger than most other warblers, with a length of 17-19 cm (6.7-7.5 inches) and a wingspan of 23-27 cm (9.1-10.6 inches). It has a striking appearance with a bright yellow chest and throat, olive back, and white belly. The face features a white spectacles pattern, and it has a long, heavy bill compared to other warblers.
Habitat and Distribution[edit | edit source]
Yellow-breasted Chats prefer dense shrubby areas, often near water bodies such as streams and wetlands. Their breeding range extends across much of the eastern United States, stretching west to central Mexico. During winter, they migrate to Central America and the southernmost parts of Florida and Mexico.
Behavior[edit | edit source]
This species is known for its secretive nature, often remaining hidden in dense foliage. Despite this, it is also recognized for its loud and varied vocalizations, especially during the breeding season. The chat's song is a mix of whistles, cackles, and other sounds, which can often be heard at dawn and dusk.
Reproduction[edit | edit source]
Yellow-breasted Chats are monogamous during the breeding season. They build their nests low in dense shrubbery, laying 3-5 eggs per clutch. Both parents participate in feeding the young, although the female is primarily responsible for incubation.
Conservation Status[edit | edit source]
The IUCN Red List currently lists the Yellow-breasted Chat as Least Concern (LC). However, habitat destruction and fragmentation pose ongoing threats to their populations, especially in areas where dense undergrowth is cleared.
See Also[edit | edit source]
 | This article about ornithology is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
