Yellow-breasted chat

The yellow-breasted chat is a striking songbird found across North America. This unique bird is the sole member of its family, Icteriidae. Until 2017, it was classified with the New World warblers but has since been recognized as the only species in its family.

During the breeding season, these birds inhabit regions from Canada to Mexico. In winter, they migrate further south to Mexico and Central America. They prefer areas with abundant shrubs, such as old farmlands and overgrown rural landscapes.

Yellow-breasted chats are relatively large for songbirds. They feature olive-colored backs, white bellies, and vibrant yellow throats and chests. Their distinctive white eye rings and dark legs make them easily recognizable. Despite their size, they are quite shy and tend to nest in dense, bushy areas. Their nests are usually bulky cups made from a variety of materials, hidden away in thick shrubbery. A typical nest contains three to five eggs, and both parents share in caring for the chicks.

In terms of diet, yellow-breasted chats are not finicky. They consume insects, berries such as blackberries and wild grapes, and various invertebrates. Their song is a medley of cackles, clucks, whistles, and hoots, and they can even mimic the calls of other birds. They are particularly vocal during the breeding season.

Sadly, these birds face significant challenges, especially in eastern North America. Habitat loss due to deforestation and urban development, along with brood parasitism from brown-headed cowbirds, poses serious threats. Nevertheless, the yellow-breasted chat is still classified as a species of least concern on a global scale, thanks to its extensive range.