Waves of warblers are now flitting among the emerging leaves and, as usual, driving us crazy. Identifying these confusingly-named beauties is difficult for us. Here we have a Common Yellowthroat Warbler, which is not to be confused with the different Yellow-Throated Warbler.
In fact, this is a male Common Yellowthroat, which is not to be confused with the female of the species. The female does not wear a mask, but loves them – she reportedly chooses a mate based on the size of his mask. Here she is:
Common Yellowthroats are our only warblers that stay low and make their nests in reedy marshes, which is where the female’s drabness comes in handy. Except for the male’s constant singing, they’re easily missed by those who always look up in the treetops for warblers.
(Brooklin, Maine)