Altamira yellowthroat

The Altamira yellowthroat (Geothlypis flavovelata) is a New World warbler. It is a resident breeding bird endemic to the Gulf slope of north-eastern Mexico.

Altamira yellowthroat
Male
Female
Conservation status
Near Threatened  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Passeriformes
Family:	Parulidae
Genus:	Geothlypis
Species:	G. flavovelata
Binomial name
Geothlypis flavovelata Ridgway, 1896

Taxonomy

It is closely related to common yellowthroat, Belding's yellowthroat, and Bahama yellowthroat, with which it forms a superspecies. It has been considered conspecific with these species.

Description

The Altamira yellowthroat is 13 cm (5.1 in) long and has a yellow-green back and bright yellow belly. The adult male has a black face mask and yellow crown. Females are similar, but lack the black mask and have an olive crown. This species is easily distinguished from wintering common yellowthroats by its uniform yellow underparts, in contrast to common's white belly. Males' yellow forehead bands are diagnostic.

Vocalizations are very similar to those of common yellowthroat and are not readily distinguishable to the human ear. Altamira and common yellowthroats, however, do not respond to tapes of one another's songs.

Ecology and behaviour

The species is resident in freshwater marshes (including canals and drainage ditches), especially those with cattails. Little is known of its breeding or feeding habits, but other yellowthroats build a cup nest low in vegetation and feed on insects, usually captured in dense vegetation, so it is likely that the Altamira yellowthroat does the same.

Conservation and threats

There has been a decline in numbers of this localized bird due to loss of habitat.

External links

• BirdLife Species Factsheet.