Watercolor portrait of Yellow-throated Warbler (Setophaga dominica)

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica
It breeds mainly across the southeastern… Look for it in mature pine forests, cypr… Uncommon Clear whistled series

Learn to identify the Yellow-throated Warbler by ear. Master the "zee-zee-zee-zoo-zee" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“zee-zee-zee-zoo-zee”

What the Yellow-throated Warbler sounds like

A sharp-looking warbler with crisp black-and-white stripes and a glowing yellow throat. It often works high along pine limbs or sycamore branches, moving with quick, deliberate hops and short pauses.

“zee-zee-zee-zoo-zee”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A ringing string of sharp, sweet whistles, often delivered from high in the canopy. It carries well through pines and river woods. Often written as “zee-zee-zee-zoo-zee”.
Don't confuse with:The Pine Warbler — pine warbler is plainer overall, with a softer face pattern and less dramatic black-and-white contrast.

Where you'll hear it

Look for it in mature pine forests, cypress swamps, river woods, and sycamore-lined creeks. During migration, it also drops into parks, mixed woods, and leafy neighborhoods.

Spring is the easiest time to find one, when males sing from the treetops over and over. In fall and winter they grow quieter, but that bright throat still flashes in the canopy.

Similar species

Pine Warbler

Pine Warbler is plainer overall, with a softer face pattern and less dramatic black-and-white contrast.

Blackburnian Warbler

Blackburnian in breeding plumage has a blazing orange throat and face, not lemon-yellow.

Grace's Warbler

Grace's Warbler has a yellow face but a white throat, not a fully yellow throat.

Yellow-throated Warbler song FAQ

What does a Yellow-throated Warbler sound like?
A ringing string of sharp, sweet whistles, often delivered from high in the canopy. It carries well through pines and river woods. Listen for the "zee-zee-zee-zoo-zee" phrase.
How do I tell a Yellow-throated Warbler from a Pine Warbler by sound?
Pine Warbler: Pine Warbler is plainer overall, with a softer face pattern and less dramatic black-and-white contrast.; Yellow-throated Warbler has a brighter throat, stronger facial stripes, and heavier flank streaking..
When is the best time to hear a Yellow-throated Warbler?
Spring is the easiest time to find one, when males sing from the treetops over and over. In fall and winter they grow quieter, but that bright throat still flashes in the canopy.