Bird Description

Myrtle' is a very common breeder in a variety of habitats: coniferous and mixed forest. W. race 'Audubon's'uncommon on w. edge, very rare in E. The only winter warbler in many areas. Arrives suddenly in Oct, after most other warblers have gone, often in many thousands. Loves bayberry bushes but is adaptable and tough, finding food on the ground or in treetops. Often flycatch for insects. Frequently in loose groups. Soft warbling song and calls a lot, a hard 'chep.' In flight, tail rounded at corners, slightly forked in center. ID: Large and solidly built with a fairly long tail. Always has bright yellow rump. Breeding plumages variable, nonbr similar. All have pale eyelids with a slight supercilium, narrow wing bars, streaking on breast (diffuse in winter), paler throat (white to buff) and yellow on flanks. Audubon's is a browner bird with yellow or yellow-buff throat (often with white border). The head and ear coverts are one uniform color, emphasizing the bold eyelids and throat. More white tail spots. Different call, a softer 'chep'.