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Agressive Yellow Rumped Warbler

14 years ago

I was so excited last week when I saw a yellow rumped warbler for the first time. I was glancing out at my feeder and at first just thought it was a sparrow until I saw the unmistakable yellow on the backside. it was cool.

But now this little birdie has started acting out a bit. I don't know if this sort of behavior is normal for these birds, but she is agressive! She (I think its a she) is guarding the suet like its only for her! I have seen her chasing chickadees, titmice, goldfinches, and a carolina wren off. This is the first time I have witnessed this behavior with any of the birds that come to my feeders, although I am sure it happens somewhat. Is this normal for a y.r. warbler?

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Comments (3)

bandjzmom
14 years ago
YES!! And another resounding YES!!! Every YRW I have ever seen is highly territorial. They are kind of like the Mockers. Once they decide that something belongs to them, they will aggressively defend it. Well hey, at least they look cute when they are doing it! :o)
claireplymouth z6b coastal MA
14 years ago
And another YES! Last winter a Yellow-rumped Warbler (I like the term Butter Butt) tried to guard one of my suet feeders against a Carolina Wren. Apparently the wren was too big or looked too mean so the warbler just stood and glared at the the wren that dared to eat warbler suet.

Claire
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bandjzmom
14 years ago
Oh Claire, that is a priceless shot!! Thanks so much for sharing. Those little Wrens are pretty tenacious themselves. I have noticed that my Carolina Wrens will defer to the Mockers. They sure do go for suet, don't they?

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