Yellow Warbler in Galápagos: Facts and Where to See It

The yellow warbler is thought to have reached Galápagos less than 300,000 years ago, which makes it a relative newcomer among the island birds. Its colours make it easy to pick out.

• Males. Bright yellow, with a red cap in the breeding season and red streaks on the chest.
• Females. Yellow with pale streaks or none.
• Young birds. Generally duller.

Pairs are monogamous. The female builds a small cup nest in a tree and mostly sits on the eggs and young; the male guards the nest and brings food to her and the chicks.

Yellow warblers live across the archipelago, from mangroves and coastal scrub up to the green highlands. They eat insects such as midges, caterpillars and beetles, which they catch in short flights like a flycatcher or pick from the ground and from trees.

The guide sighting records note yellow warblers as present across the archipelago, so most landings offer a chance. Of the 3 sites listed by name, all are rated Rare as specific sightings: Darwin Bay on Genovesa, Tagus Cove on Isabela and the Isabela Wetlands near Puerto Villamil.

Yellow warblers can be seen at any time of year. Males wear their red cap in the breeding season. In the next twelve months, 585 departures stop at a site where they are recorded.

No, it is listed as Least Concern. In Galápagos the main threat is invasive species: the avian vampire fly Philornis downsi lowers chick survival, the introduced smooth-billed ani robs eggs from warbler nests, and an invasive mosquito has brought avian malaria, which now infects the birds. Pesticides from growing towns may also reduce their insect prey. The species is protected by the Galápagos National Park, and invasive species are controlled continuously.

1. Looking only for the big animals. Warblers are small and quick; watch the scrub and mangroves at the edge of trails.
2. Confusing the females. Females lack the red cap and may have no streaks.
3. Feeding birds. Park rules forbid feeding wildlife.