Yellow-rumped Warbler, watercolor on 140lb paper. The Yellow-rumped Warbler (*Setophaga coronata*) is a small, energetic songbird and one of the most common and recognizable warblers in North America. The male in breeding plumage is a striking bird, displaying bold slate-blue upperparts streaked with black, bright white wing patches, and a vivid yellow crown patch, yellow shoulder patches, and — its most distinctive feature — a bright yellow rump that flashes conspicuously in flight. The breast is white with heavy black streaking, and a black mask frames the face. Females and non-breeding males are duller and browner overall but retain the characteristic yellow rump, which makes identification straightforward year-round. Roughly 5 to 6 inches in length with a wingspan of about 8 to 9 inches, it is a sturdy little warbler with a slightly notched tail and a thin, pointed bill. It has a remarkable ability to digest the waxy coating of bayberries and myrtle berries, which allows it to winter farther north than most other warblers, earning it the affectionate nickname "butter butt" among birders.
