The Chat

Our Namesake

Though widespread throughout the U.S., Yellow-breasted Chats can be elusive because they often inhabit thick brush found in riparian zones, forest edges, and wetlands. The easiest time to see them is in spring when males are singing atop an exposed  branch. Yellow-breasted Chats have an extensive repertoire of vocalizations, including whistles, rattles, and grunts. They eat berries and insects and migrate as far as Central America in winter.

Eastern populations expanded until the mid-20th century possibly due to habitat created by logging. But as forests regenerated, the population decreased as shrubby habitat declined. Western populations have increased, and the species is currently considered to be of low conservation concern