The Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens) is a small songbird found in the Americas, from southern Canada to northern South America. The bird’s body length is around 7-8 inches, and its wingspan is between 7-9 inches. It is a medium-sized, chunky bird with a relatively long tail, and it weighs around 25-30 grams. The Chat is easily identifiable by its bright yellow breast, white spectacles around the eyes, and olive-green back and head.

The Yellow-breasted Chat is a summer resident in the United States, with its breeding range extending from southern Canada to the southern United States. During winter, it migrates south to southern Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. In some regions, it may be present throughout the year, such as in Florida and along the Gulf Coast.

This species primarily occupies dense, shrubby habitats, including woodland edges, thickets, and overgrown fields. It is often found in areas with a high diversity of plant species and prefers habitats with a mix of shrubs and taller trees. The Chat’s diet consists of insects, fruits, and seeds. They are known for their unique singing, which can resemble the sound of several different bird species combined.

The Yellow-breasted Chat is a solitary bird during the breeding season, but they can form loose flocks during migration and winter. They are often heard before they are seen, and their call is a loud, distinctive series of whistles, cackles, and clicks. The Chat’s vocalizations are often described as sounding like someone tapping on a set of keys.

While the Yellow-breasted Chat is not a bird that is threatened, it is vulnerable to habitat loss and degradation. Preservation of its preferred habitat, particularly in areas where development is occurring, is necessary for this species to thrive. Additionally, since their unique vocalizations can be difficult to identify, it is essential to use visual field marks to correctly identify this bird species.