Yellow-breasted Chat

The yellow-breasted chat (Icteria virens) is a large wood warbler that lacks many characteristics of other warblers. It measures between 6 and 7 1⁄2 inches in length and has a large, stout bill and large head. The Western version differs slightly from the Eastern in that it has a little longer tail, grayish olive on its back, and a deeper yellow breast and throat. The yellow-breasted chat sometimes mimics the sounds of the kingfisher and crow.

The reference for the pattern and painting notes came from Eastern Washington University in Cheney, Washington.

The Western version of the male yellow-breasted chat will be the “Best in the Northwest” species at the 2019 Columbia Flyway Wildlife Show in Vancouver, Washington, in September. The species for 2020 will be a miniature pileated woodpecker, with a maximum height of 8 inches. The ruby-crowned kinglet will be the bird for 2021.