Creature Feature #24
YELLOW- RUMPED WARBLER (Stetophaga coronata)
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Winter is the time of year when Mound House becomes a
stopover for dozens of species of hungry migratory birds. Our rich and diverse
native landscaping serves up a natural buffet where traveling birds find winter
fruiting species such wax myrtle, bird pepper, white indigo berry, marlberry,
beautyberry, wild coffee, dahoon holly, and annatto among others. To attract birds
these berries are often bright and colorful, thereby enhancing our landscape.
One of the most notable winter visitors to seek our abundant natural food
source is the yellow-rumped warbler. These beautiful birds winter throughout of
the central and southeastern United States and make Estero Island a regular
winter destination.
Affectionately referred to as “butter butt” by birdwatchers,
this is a full bodied warbler with a sturdy bill and long, narrow tail. During
the spring migration, the formerly subdued colors of this warbler become a
dazzling mix of bright yellow, charcoal black, and white.
Yellow-rumped warblers are often found in the outer fringes
and mid-story of trees. They spend much of the day eating berries from shrubs
and mid-story trees. They often travel in large flocks in winter, moving into
shrubby habitats including coastal vegetation, such as here at Mound House. Look
for them this winter feeding in the native coastal strand vegetation that grows
along the sloping perimeter of our shell mound.
