Yellow-breasted Chat

The Yellow-breasted Chat was once considered the largest warbler found in the United States. Recent genetic analysis has brought into doubt whether they truly are warblers, however, and as of 2017, the American Ornithological Society has moved the species to its own family. Its behavior is more like a thrasher or a catbird, as it prefers to hide in dense cover, giving off a sometimes bizarre series of calls. Males are sometimes easier to observe, as they fly over the undergrowth with legs dangling, singing as they go.

Habitat:

During breeding season, prefers very brushy thickets, such as those found along streams, woodland and swamp edges, and overgrown pastures.

Diet:

Insects, and unlike many warblers, depends heavily on berries and other fruits.

Behavior:

Usually forages alone, clambering through brushy thickets in search of insects and berries.

Nesting:

June and July. The female builds the nest, constructing a cup of grasses and other plant stems, leaves, strips of bark, and moss, and lines it with finer material including fine grasses, hair, and rootlets.  It is placed relatively low to the ground (generally less than 10 feet) in very thick, shrubby vegetation. She incubates the eggs for about 12 days before they hatch. The young fledge from the nest after another 10-12 days.

Song:

The song of a Yellow-breasted Chat is an odd mix of cackles and musical phrases.

1Click here to hear the singing of a Yellow-breasted Chat

²Click here to hear another version of a singing Yellow-breasted Chat

³Click here to hear a short cuk call of a Yellow-breasted Chat

Migration:

Summers throughout much of the United States.  Winters in Mexico and points south. Small numbers, however, do overwinter along the U.S. east coast every year, even as far as New England.

Interactive eBird map:

Click here to access an interactive eBird map of Yellow-breasted Chat sightings