YELLOW-RUMPED (MYRTLE) WARBLER
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The myrtle warbler is the bird with the yellow rump. By this sign you will know him as he moves through the undergrowth or darts out to catch an unsuspecting insect in midair. The myrtle warbler is common in the Historic Triangle area throughout the year being the only warbler to spend the winter. Unlike many other members of the clan, it prefers shrubs and small trees instead of high treetops, and consequently is much better known than its relatives.

Most warblers are insectivorous but the myrtle can live for long periods of time on berries and fruit. It is particularly fond of the myrtle berries from which its name is derived. These berries are also called bayberries and were used frequently by the early colonies in the making of candles. Other plant food taken are seeds from Virginia creeper, red cedar, dogwoods and poison ivy.

The myrtle warbler is a sociable bird and in winter especially, is often found in small flocks. When this occurs, one is reminded of small yellow butterflies dancing through the air.

The nest of the myrtle warbler is usually located in a coniferous tree from ten to twenty feet up in a bulky nest of twigs, grass, or bark fibers, and lined with feathers. The three to five eggs are cream colored and speckled with flecks of brown or gray.

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