Setophaga petechia (Yellow Warbler)
Credit: Whitney Tsai
about the species
Yellow Warblers are a widespread migratory songbird species. Their breeding range extends from northern Alaska into Mexico, they winter as far south as Ecuador, and some resident populations persist throughout the year in the mangroves of coastal central America and on the Caribbean and Galapagos Islands. California represents an important region for Yellow Warblers throughout their life cycle: breeding pairs nest in its riparian habitats, migratory individuals refuel while traveling to and from breeding and wintering grounds, and northern breeding individuals will over winter in the region.
why species was selected
Yellow Warblers act as indicators for healthy riparian habitat, however, over the last half century, California populations have notably experienced declines and are listed as a Species of Special Concern. Understanding the association between Yellow Warbler genomic diversity and climate across California will inform predictions of their response to climate change, identify populations most in need of protection, and advise conservation decisions for California riparian ecosystems.
