Oh The Yellow Warblers of Texas

Setophaga petechia

The Yellow Warbler and its various subspecies (scientists recognise as many as 35) breed in most of North America from the tundra southwards. Brown-Headed Cowbirds often parasitize the nest of this bird, but their defensive response is to build a new nest on top of the old one and laying fresh eggs. Several layers in a season might be required if the cowbird persists in laying eggs with the warbler’s.

When the breeding cycle is over these birds fly south, staying in southern Mexico, Central America and northern South America.

These are images of the birds I met in Texas, but I’ve met Yellow Warblers in nearly every western state as well as in Canada. For a look at the birds from other states, click <HERE>.