Watercolor portrait of Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas)

What does the Common Yellowthroat call sound like?

Geothlypis trichas
Call Common

Play the real Common Yellowthroat call, the "witchety-witchety-witchety", and learn what to listen for.

What the Common Yellowthroat call sounds like

This is the real Common Yellowthroat call recording from the Wings & Whistles sound library. Press play above to hear it.

witchety-witchety-witchety

Call vs. song: telling the two apart

The same bird makes both. They sound nothing alike.

The call (this page)

The song

A distinctive, rolling 'witchity-witchity-witchity' or 'witch-i-ty, witch-i-ty' sung from exposed perches by territorial males.

witchity-witchity-witchity

Where you'll hear it

Thick, tangled vegetation in wetlands, prairies, pine forests, hedgerows, and disturbed sites across North America.

Common Yellowthroat call FAQ

How do I tell a Common Yellowthroat from a Wilson's Warbler by ear?
Wilson's Warbler: Male has black cap rather than mask; Brighter yellow overall.
When is the best time to hear the Common Yellowthroat call?
Most active during daylight hours, skulking through dense vegetation and singing from exposed perches.

More Common Yellowthroat sounds