Audubon's | Warbler

For over a century, the Audubon's Warbler (of the West) and the (of the East) were thought to be two completely different species.

Watch how the Audubon’s subspecies behaves in the wild, showcasing its distinctive yellow markings and active foraging style: Yellow-rumped Warbler Hoosier Bird YouTube• Mar 19, 2026 🕊️ Quick Facts "Butterbutt" due to its yellow rump. audubon's warbler

Audubon's had a bright yellow throat, while the Myrtle sported a white one. For over a century, the Audubon's Warbler (of

Audubon's lived in the western mountains, while Myrtles dominated the eastern forests. 🤝 The Great Merge of 1973 Audubon's lived in the western mountains, while Myrtles

In 1973, scientists discovered a "hybrid zone" in the Canadian Rockies where these two birds were meeting and having healthy, fertile offspring. This led to a dramatic scientific "lumping." They were stripped of their species status and merged into one: the —affectionately known by birders as the " butterbutt " for the bright yellow patch on its tail. 🧬 A Remarkable Survival Strategy

Versatile foragers—they catch insects mid-air like flycatchers or eat suet and berries.