By mid-April, this very common and cold-hardy species of warbler arrives in central Minnesota for a week or two before heading further north to breed. Unlike the other warblers, Yellow-rumpeds are able to tolerate colder temperatures and often visit backyard feeders for bits of suet and shelled sunflowers.
This species used to be called the Myrtle Warbler for its ability to digest wax-myrtle and bayberry fruits for energy during the winter months. In 1973 the American Ornithological Society determined the Myrtle was the same species as the western ‘Audubon’ Warbler so it lumped both subspecies together under the one unglamorous title of “Yellow-rumped”. Due to their flashy yellow rump, birders have affectionally given them the nickname “butterbutts”. I still long for the old name Myrtle as these birds have so much more striking features than yellow rumps.
This male has particularly large yellow patches on the top of his head and shoulders.
And a few other flashes of brilliance today…..
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