Golden-cheeked Warbler

Setophaga chrysoparia

New World Warblers · Passeriformes · Uncommon

The Golden-cheeked Warbler (Setophaga chrysoparia) is a uncommon new world warbler found in 8 countries, weighing about 10 g. The golden-cheeked warbler is an endangered species of bird that breeds in Central Texas, from Palo Pinto County southwestward along the eastern and southern edge of the Edwards Plateau to Kinney County.

EndangeredUncommonEats invertebratesforestcup nest10 g

About the Golden-cheeked Warbler

The golden-cheeked warbler is an endangered species of bird that breeds in Central Texas, from Palo Pinto County southwestward along the eastern and southern edge of the Edwards Plateau to Kinney County. The golden-cheeked warbler is the only bird species with a breeding range endemic to Texas.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

How to identify it

The golden-cheeked warbler is very striking due to its bright yellow cheeks that are contrasted by its black throat and back. It is also identified by its unique buzzing song emerging from the wooded canyons where it breeds. Golden-cheeked warblers breed in 33 counties in central Texas and are dependent on ashe juniper (blueberry juniper or cedar) for their fine bark strips used as nesting material.

What the Golden-cheeked Warbler sounds like

Recording: steve · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via xeno-canto

Where it lives

Recorded as a rare visitor in Costa Rica, Panama.

When to see it

Best months: March, April, May, June, with peak activity in April. It is a passage migrant species across most of its range.

Easily confused with

Quick questions

How do you identify a Golden-cheeked Warbler?
The golden-cheeked warbler is very striking due to its bright yellow cheeks that are contrasted by its black throat and back. Full identification notes are on this page.
How big is a Golden-cheeked Warbler?
The Golden-cheeked Warbler is a tiny sized bird weighing about 10 g.
Where can you see a Golden-cheeked Warbler?
The Golden-cheeked Warbler occurs in 8 countries, including the United States, Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico and Nicaragua.
What does a Golden-cheeked Warbler sound like?
You can listen to a field recording of the Golden-cheeked Warbler on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
What birds look similar to a Golden-cheeked Warbler?
The Golden-cheeked Warbler is most easily confused with the Adelaide's Warbler, the Kirtland's Warbler and the American Yellow Warbler.
Is the Golden-cheeked Warbler endangered?
The Golden-cheeked Warbler is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Learn the Golden-cheeked Warbler for real

BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.

Play BeakBrain

Every photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.