Every winter, I get an interesting mixture of wintering and migrating species to my backyard. Every year, Yellow Rumped Warblers are among these. I’ll see them but not think much about it because they have been generally non-aggressive and somewhat passive feeder customers. They pick around the ground for tidbits here and there and don’t really make much a fuss about anything. That is, until this year.
Yellow Rumped Warbler From Hell?
As far as I can tell, this one is a solitary immature male that has gotten away from a flock and his behavior is quite unusual. He will get on my feeder station and spend the next half hour to an hour trying to keep anybody off of the feeders that he thinks he can take in a fight. Chickadees, juncos, goldfinches, titmice and even some house finches are all fair game. I’ve never seen a Yellow Rumped Warbler behave in this manner. He doesn’t appear to be sickly. My secret theory is that he is more aggressive because he’s stressed by the cold weather here now and being separated from his flock.
Am I Full Of It?
Do I just not have enough experience with these guys to know what I’m talking about or have any of you seen this type of behavior at your feeders? Leave me a comment below and tell me your experience with these wonderful little birds.
Jeff, you could be writing about the little tyrant that has taken guard at my house about two weeks ago. Also a yellow rump. He is reeking havoc with every bird in the area disrupting feeding even of those he’s not attacking with all the commotion !
He absolutely will not let my titmice, chicadees or sometimes the finch light on any of my feeders. Initially it was the same for nuthatches and Carolina wren as well. They have managed to take back a foot hold. Cardinals, and woodpeckers are not challenged but all the dive bombing disturbs their serene dining. As well, the 6 bluebirds feeding at my stations this winter are disturbed by commotion and quickly fly away even though not attacked. I’m so annoyed by this bird and seldom do I say that about any except starlings or cowbirds! 🙁
Hi Stephanie,
I hear you! When that little demon moved into my back yard it was the strangest thing I’d seen to date. He just wasn’t supposed to be that way from everything I’d read but there he was.
The good news is he won’t stay long. I don’t know where you’re located but I’ve only gotten them sporadically in the 15 years I’ve been feeding. My guy was a true exception.
All I can say is be patient with him. Your feeding space will return to how it was. I’ve also noticed that even the birds like cardinals and bluebirds who go out of their way to avoid any conflict WILL take a stand if they see him between them and their food. Especially in winter.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your story!
Jeff
Same thing here, a single individual that until last week was behaving peacefully. It doesn’t bother bigger birds like cardinals and woodpeckers, but other birds like titmice and chickadees have no chance at the suet and cylinder feeders. 🙁
Hi Bruno,
Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Is there any way you could get some video of this? I’d really like to see it.
Jeff
I can surely try!
Thank you!
Look forward to hearing back from you, Bruno.
Jeff
Jeff, this is the second year for me having the same problem. . It could have been happening for years and im retired now so i’m watching more.. i have three poles with tube feeders, platform, suet and mealworm feeders a total of twelve feeders. He’s not a lone wolf there are numerous males and females.. He thinks he owns all of the feeders. He will sit on a feeder pole or in the bushes and chasegoldfinches, titmouse,nuthatch, other warblers. He usually wont’ bother house finches, bluebirds or bigger birds. Today i had a downey woodpecker stand up to him and now it comes and goes freely. I’m not a violent person but i sure wanna bust this bird up side da head. I can’t wait for them to move and peace is restored. But hey I’m saving money on bird seed..
Hi Bob,
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Your experience is much like mine was. He would go after nearly everybody he thought he could take. Kudos to the downy for standing up to him. The only difference I see is you’ve said he was not alone. Is this correct? I haven’t had one do this since this article was written back in 2010. Now, I mainly get them for less than a week in the spring and then they’re gone.
You’re correct. They will move on. Where are you located by the way?
Jeff
I apologize for my video skills and to take so long to post this video.
A quick update: This guy is now way more tolerant with other birds that at the time this video was made ( end of February). Now, this warbler allows birds such as Carolina Wrens and nuthatches to feed. Furthermore, it’s frequency at the feeder has dropped significantly.
Hey Bruno,
Thank you so much for taking this video and the editing too! I know it can be challenging but you sell yourself short when it comes to video skills.
I’m glad to hear he’s backed off a bit and allows others to feed. I remember how strange it was that birds I barely got a chance to notice before they left had one that wanted the place to himself.
I wouldn’t be a bit surprised to hear he was gone very soon.
Have your other birds started returning?
Jeff
It’s challenging to capture those creatures! Everything happens so quickly. I was trying to use a better camera (DSLR type), but, in the end, my cell phone camera is so much quicker to set up and therefore catch those quick moments. The downside is the image quality, poorer in this case, and that’s why I did apologize.
Everything is back to normal around here. Even a Ruby-crowned kinglet that I haven’t seen for weeks is back, which is good news!
Hi Bruno,
I know what you mean about everything happening so quickly. It’s the main reason I couldn’t get a shot of the little female cardinal I wrote about in my most recent post. I was more concerned with helping her than getting the best shot of it.
The cool thing is that cell phone cameras have come so far that in many cases they are indistinguishable from high end gear for quick shots and most video. I really liked the slowing down you did when you edited that. Very cool!
Glad things have returned to normal there. Where is “there”?
Finally, I’d love a shot of the the kinglet if you could get that too.
Talk soon,
Jeff
Glad you liked the slow motion! It’s kind of hard to understand what was going on, that’s why I decided to add it.
I’m currently living in Charlottesville VA.
I’ve just started to feed and observe birds, so I do not have a lot of photos to show. Anyway, here’s a link to some photos I’ve been taken from the balcony window (kinglet included):
http://natureshare.com/home.html#members/BrunoFarna
Hope you like it.
Bruno
Hey Bruno,
Thanks for the update. It appears I would have to be logged into your account to be able to view those photos. The page just tells me it’s loading but never does anything. Is there any way inside your account to make them visible outside the Nature Share service?
Jeff
My bad!
https://www.flickr.com/gp/farneze/Vf7L7C
I’ve created a Flicker album. I hope it works!
Works great, Bruno! Thanks for sharing. Some really nice shots including the kinglet.
Were they taken with mostly photographic gear or your phone?
You are very welcome.
Thank you for the kind words.
All photos were taken using a Nikon 3200 with a 70-300 mm lens.
We have a solitary doing the same thing. Any bird except the cardinal that dares land in the crepe myrtle that the three feeders are in gets chased off, He also annoys any bird picking in the leaf litter in the gutter. There must be a lot of bugs in there as pine siskins, Carolina wrens and titmice are frequently picking through the detritus. Hopefully he will change.
-Kevin in Austin, TX
Hi Kevin,
Thanks for sharing your Yellow Rumped Warbler story. I still remember how odd it was that a migrating species decided the back yard was his. I was just checking the migration patterns and it says they actually winter where we live (TN,TX) but they travel in large flocks. The solitaries must have gotten lost or late somehow. I still think his internal compass will tell him to leave soon. That’s what happened with mine.
Jeff
I just found this since we realized we were having the same problems. We took down our seed feeders less than a weeks ago to let the 40-60 siskins clear out. We had to bleach everything and even removed the bark below the feeders and replaced it after having several dead siskins. We didn’t want them to be spreading salmonella to our other birds and feeders. Now we just have meal worms and bark butter. I was excited at first when our newly discovered yellow rumped warbler was running off the few returning siskins. Unfortunately he is also running off the chickadees, gold finch titmouse and pine warblers. When the bluebirds come it seems to be ok for a minute. The others come back. He has no beef with the mocking bird, but the phoebe likes some peace and won’t hang out. We put bark butter on the pine trees another 12 feet back, so the nuthatches, some pine warblers, downies, redbellied wp, and some bluebirds still eat there. Our new grumpy rumpy needs to chill. We were just enjoying the calm in the backyard and hoping in a few weeks we could put seed feeders back out. Thanks for posting this.
Hi Jenny,
I still remember what an experience that was with him! Didn’t want ANYBODY using HIS feeders, LOL!
Luckily, he was only with us for a short time towards the end of winter and just disappeared to breed before too long. Depending on where you’re located the same thing should happen for you.
You should be proud of yourself for helping give the other birds something to eat and for giving him/her too many feeders to patrol-HA!
Do let me know when he/she decides to leave. I’d be interested to know if they followed the same plan as the one I had.
Jeff
Hi Jeff, I have recently noticed this issue. It’s one single yellow rumped warbler and he spends all day around my feeders. He scares away all my chickadees and titmice. My bluebirds seem unfazed but it’s driving me crazy!
Hi Presley,
Where are you located? The good news is it should be a temporary visitor. I’m very surprised to hear your bluebirds are not put off by it. Usually the chickadees and titmice find a way to sneak around them-LOL!
Jeff
What are the yellow-rumped warblers eating at the feeders? Suet?
Hi Sandy!
Here at home, they feed suet and regular seed cylinders. Didn’t see any yellow-rumped warblers this year though.
Hey Bruno,
Great to hear from you again! Hope all is well in your neck of the woods.
I haven’t seen them at my suet feeder but it’s also an upside-down model. He was definitely defending HIS seeds though-HA!
Best,
Jeff
Hi Sandy,
Bruno said his eat suet and sunflower from seed cylinders. Mine only at sunflower from a cylinder and hopper. Almost lost his body weight trying to hoard both feeders all day for a few days. I’ve not seen before or since.
Jeff
I just discovered this article because I have the same problem. We have a bunch of warblers, yellow rumped and palm mostly, I noticed early on that the yrws were very aggressive to the other warblers and their own, they did not harass any of the blue birds, cardinals, etc…last weekend I noticed one male sitting in a small bare tree near two suet cakes. He just sat there looking about for hours, quite contentedly. I asked a bird forum I am on if they knew why he was doing this and shortly after I posted my question, I noticed another yellow rump sitting the same way in my other tree! So now I have two of them. They do not breed in Florida so I know they will move on soon. Fascinating.
Hi Jeff,
We ran into the same issue this winter – my search on “aggressive Yellow Rumped Warbler” led me here. It is good to know we are not alone! We are near Fort Worth, TX, and this issue has been going on for about a month. We feed suet in winter, and Safflower/sunflower seeds year round, with a bit of Finch mix durning this recent deep freeze.
Any bird viewed as a potential threat to the suet feeder (that he feels he can take on) is chased from the backyard. I am not certain if we have had the same individual consistently, or if the regime changes hands since other Yellow Rumped Warblers are also chased off. The was a vicious aerial fight over the suet feeder the other day between two YRWs that lasted over a minute and resulted in significant feather loss on both sides
He perches in a live oak and allows Cardinals, woodpeckers (Downys & Red Bellied), Gold Finches, Siskins, House Finches, & doves to eat in peace. Oddly, he doesn’t fuss too much over Chickadees or Bewicks Wrens, but goes after other YRWs, Titmice, Orange Crowned Warblers, and Ruby Crowned Kinglet. He flys down to the ground from his perch with the call of the Red Belly (knows lots of crumbs will be dropping). I was really ticked when subzero temps hit this week and our little Kinglet could not get food. 🙁
Thanks to you and everyone who posted, Perhaps the behavior is related to limited natural food supplies? Either way, glad to hear that this little guy will be moving on soon! He’s cute, but not that cute!
Denise
Hi Denise,
I’m glad this article hit home with the readers it has. Thank you for your kind words as well!
I think my YRW stayed for only a short time because he couldn’t sustain trying to keep EVERYBODY off HIS feeders-LOL! It may have only been for half and hour to an hour but it happened several times in a day sometimes. I know I’d be looking for another place to hang out and chill after all that-LOL!
I’ve heard there is an irruption of boreal finches because of lack of food this year and I have to believe this is having an effect on many other species, YRWs included.
I too was actually sorry to see him go because the feisty immature male kind of reminded me of a misbehaving kid, you know?
Get some pics if you can because you may not see him/her again for quite a while. I haven’t had any back this year. Even with the recent winter storm.
Jeff
Hi Susan,
You’re the second or third person who said they were selective in their defense. Mine was not so pragmatic. ANY bird was fair game-LOL!
Make sure to get some pics and enjoy them while you can. They ARE fascinating!
Thanks for stopping by and sharing.
Jeff
I’ve got a true ‘gang’ of Yellow-rumped warblers defending my feeder stations for the past week. Had just one at first. But more arrived. They spend more time guarding, defending than eating. They are disruptive to even the bigger birds when the gang is swarming around. I have a station of just safflower seeds that the titmice, cardinals and chickadees eat. The YRW like the jelly for our orioles too. interesting the dominance dynamics. They intimidate the female bluebird more than the male. The male fights back. The YRW runs off the pine warblers. Love all of the birds we get as they migrate through or spend the winter with us. Kinglet stayed awhile. A large flock of American Goldfinch for about a month. We are in a nice wooded area in Jacksonville, FL
Hi Kathy,
I never had more than one but he was enough-LOL! Up to that point, I had never seen one bird try to keep all birds off the feeders. I can only imagine the hijinks that ensued with a flock. Wow! Trying to keep everyone from feeding while establishing or respecting pecking order. I’m exhausted just thinking about it-HA!
It sounds like you’ve had a wonderful array of birds passing through. I’m currently experiencing a huge influx of goldfinches who usually stay here all year. This year there was apparently a shortage of food in the north which made them move along. I couldn’t be happier!
How long have you been feeding birds in Jacksonville?
Jeff
We turned on the “Bird TV” Dec 2019 in our relatively new perennial garden with bird bath, edged with some bamboo. A Dec. “birthday present” for my husband developed into an ‘obsession’ for me. (I catch him watching the birds too!) I’m an artist, work from home, more home with the pandemic. Can paint on the screened porch and keep an eye on the birds. Here is a list i started of our backyard birds. Easily might be too much information but easy to copy and paste.
*means a Regular visitor every day
* Cardinal – seeds, nuts. mealworms. And suet in flat tray feeder
* Blue jay – peanuts in the shell, seed block
* Tufted titmouse – seeds and nuts, live mealworms
* Carolina wren – built nest in our porch eave, both kinds of mealworms
* Carolina chickadee Seeds and nuts
* Eastern bluebird – nested in our birdhouse Mealworms – dehydrated mealworms and live mealworms – 2 broods. 2 and 3 juveniles bluebirds/family
* Red bellied woodpecker – seeds & nuts & suet in tray & cage
* Downy woodpecker – seed and nuts and suet
* House finch – seeds
* Northern mockingbird – suet in tray, jelly
* Brown thrasher – suet in tray, dehydrated mealworms, seed block
* Ruby-throated hummingbird – flowers and sugar water feeder
Gray catbird – jelly, suet in tray and dehydrated mealworms, 2 – 3 weeks Spring/Fall
American goldfinch – whole flock stayed for several weeks – seeds, Spring: Winter
Yellow-rumped warbler – suet and dehydrated mealworms, migrating, spending Winter here, Flock now
Yellow-throated warbler – main feeder, Spring and Fall, regular. spending Winter here
Mourning dove – Too big for feeders, eat ground droppings only
American redstart – male spotted high in the trees Spring. A pair this Fall
Eastern Phoebe – spotted high in the trees & recently checking out feeder Spring, Fall, Winter – snatching dehydrated mealworms
Parula warbler – suet and dehydrated mealworms, migrating Spring
Pine warbler – suet and live & dehydrated mealworms, migrating Spring/Fall, spending Winter
Palm warbler – winter, bobbing tail constantly
Summer tanager – seen twice checking out feeders, migrating Spring, Fall and at lake
American robin – seen twice bird bath, migrating Spring, Winter
Red-winged blackbird – female – bird bath several times Spring
Chipping sparrow – Spring, Fall
Baltimore oriole – bird bath – 1 day Migrating Spring. Fall, Wintering with us. Three now.
Painted bunting – female or immature male – Fall/Nov
Indigo bunting – male -seen only once checking out feeders – 1 day Spring
Common yellowthroat – bird bath – 1 day Migrating Spring
Black-throated blue warbler – grape jelly, suet & dehydrated mealworms – 1 day migrating Spring; pair Fall migrating, several days
Veery or Wood thrush or Hermit thrush – visited the bird bath a few days, migrating?
American crow – grabbed peanuts in the shell from dispenser a few times
Cooper’s Hawk – at the birdbath looking for victims
possible Orchard oriole female – bird bath Fall
Rose-breasted grosbeak – female, fall, main feeder
Black and white warbler – at the lake and then at home Fall
Purple finch – Nov. female, maybe male
Ruby-crowned kinglet – winter
Cedar Waxwing – drank from birdbath
Hi Kathy,
That is a very impressive life list! Especially in so short of a time span. NEVER too much information. Thank you so much for sharing the details with the species list.
So glad you have the time to pursue your love of art and enjoying your birds. I’ve not found anything that replaces just sitting and watching them and I spend at least 30 minutes every day just doing that.
If you have a website with your work displayed please include the link in your next comment. I’m sure many of us would love to see your work!
Enjoy!
Jeff
Looking forward to spring migration, perhaps spotting some new ones esp. warblers. Lunch time tends to be a good time to look out. That’s my backyard bird life list. More on the list beyond the backyard!
My website is http://www.kathystark.com
I created a book about Jacksonville’s wilderness parks that has been popular during this pandemic as people look to places to get outside safely. When you are in our wilderness parks and preserves what you tend to see the most are BIRDS!
I would say the swallowtail kite is my Spark Bird. Sandhill cranes next.
Hi Kathy,
What an incredible talent you have! Very nice website as well!
I totally realize that now is when we need nature the most! My birds have been my lifeline throughout all this nonsense. You’ve created something we all need right now. Kudos!
I would love to do an article on you and how you got where you are right now. Email me if this is something you’d consider.
Jeff
Wow! I have a warbler who looks identical to that. He’s all alone and is not sharing ‘his’ food with anyone. He even chases the golden finches off their thistle. Hoping he can meet a special lady friend this spring and calm down lol.
Hi Lory,
I remember the first time I saw mine I couldn’t believe my eyes. I’d seen plenty of aggressive birds trying to take over feeders. But I’d never seen one that could not tolerate anybody feeding at ANY station. He’ll probably move on before he finds a mate. In fact, will do so in order to find a mate most likely.
Where are you located by the way?
Jeff
Hi Jeff. YRW Update: After watching the Yellow Rumped Warblers and the feeder sentry situation, here are the observations for our yard (others may have different experiences).. The voracity with which a YRW guarded the suet in February was directly correlated to the intensity of the cold temps in our area of North Texas. The farther below the freezing mark, the more aggressive the YRW & the less it cared about who he was chasing. As temps warmed, the guarding occurred more heavily in the morning, with periodic half hearted attempts, mostly targeted at other warblers, occurring during the day. Temps are warmer now, and we still see the YRWs coming to our suet, but it is more intermittent with little to no guarding taking place. Sadly, his efforts likely cost the life of a poor little Kinglet who simply could not get food during the worst of the cold, which fell into the negative temps. (He was so desperate that he took suet from my hand a couple of times, but halfway through the deep freeze, I stopped seeing him. :Nature is beautiful, but harsh.) In the Warbler family, Orange Crowned are the ones we are seeing most frequently now, with an occasional visit by a YRW during the day. Gold Finches & Pine Siskins are passing through, along with what felt like thousands of Robbins in one day. Unfortunately, our female Red Bellied Woodpecker seems to have lost her mate (plenty of Hawks & Falcons here). Otherwise, the rest of our year round crew is back on track and beginning spring nesting preparations. Last April, we had a distraction from the pandemic watching a clutch of 5 Chickadees successfully fledge from a birdhouse normally occupied by Bewick’s or Carolina Wrens. Will be interesting to see who moves in this spring! Happing birding!
Hi Denise,
I’ve always found that with any bird, their courage increases as the temperatures decrease. This is why the winter is the best time to get birds to hand feed.
Sorry to hear about your Kinglet but keep in mind he/she may also have shown up with a disease. I know I lost two birds during that freeze but they were already compromised.
Really glad to hear things are returning to normal nesting season there. Our bluebird pair have made it through the freeze and are back to making sure the house isn’t occupied until they’re ready for it-LOL!
Let us know who decides to move in this season, will you?
Jeff
Thanks, Jeff! Sorry about the losses in your yard too. Will definitely keep you posted on the “new neighbors” this spring!
Denise
Looking forward to it, Denise!
Best of luck!
Jeff
Hello Jeff. I found this story as I had to google with disbelieve “Palm Wabler aggressive around feeders”. I have an almost copycat story with a Palm Warbler that has taken over our 3 feeder poles! Anything that is around it’s size, all the way to downy woodpeckers feeding on suet will get mobbed by this hell raiser super cute bird. Only the cardinals, grey cat birds, robins, and blue jays seem to pass the bird’s relentless aggression. Our family seen it 3 different days singlehandedly kicked out a sizable flock of chickadees and tufted titmouse from all 3 feeding poles within 10 minutes. I’m no expert but have good Birding experience and this behavior by this Palm Warbler got me puzzled. It will spend hours switching poles and foraging on the nearby covering trees while it creates mayhem for what it considers it can take on once it comes nearby or on the feeders.. I should also point out that the bird looks and acts extremely healthy other that this odd aggressive behavior I’ve never observed on Palm Warblers. Also the bird seems to be more aggressive against other warblers like the Black and White, Yellow Rumpled, and Northern Parula that I couldn’t even picture sadly because of attacks by why I call now “Napoleon Conqueror Warbler” of Northern Florida.
Hi Ernie,
Thanks for stopping by and telling us your Napoleon Conqueror Warbler story! Brought a huge smile to my face as I recall how out of sorts my experience was. I have no experience with Palm Warblers living in Tennessee but I remember my yellow-rumped was ruthless! The best part for me is that it was relatively short-lived. I don’t remember exactly but I think he was gone within a couple weeks.
How long has yours presided over your back yard so far?
Jeff
Hi,
Last Winter I had a Yellow Romped Warbler to visit my feeder during the coldest time of the season. He took up residence near by and stayed the remainder of the Winter shewing off other birds from the suet feeder. I actually enjoyed watching him while I was working from home during the Covid 19 restrictions. When the weather warmed my visitor left. I thought it was just a phenomenon but the same thing has happened this year! Except this year there are several of them! I guess I will hang up another suet feeder on the other side of the yard for the other birds and watch the show!
Lynn O. / Hope Mills N.C.
Hi Lynn,
I couldn’t even imagine multiple feeder sentries! What a hoot that must have been and is!
You’re on the right track with expanding your feeders to accommodate them! Do check back in to tell us how it’s gone and any pics or video would be great! I could just give you a folder on my Google Drive to upload them to.
Thanks again for stopping by and taking such good care of your little ones!
Jeff
I was so thrilled to have a ‘new’ bird to identify: the Yellow-Rumped Warbler: I’m new to bird-watching, since moving to woods and being allowed the pleasure of hanging feeders, which diversity increases the more I learn (and am helped)
So it was with ~ my reaction is anger, when I realized these new cuties were chasing all others away, large and small! I just want to get a slingshot and plink it! I’m delighted to read, it’s not just me. But I was so enamored with the little Kinglets, who were very present with a snowfall, and furious when I considered that these YRW’s drive them away! Will they ever come back? I’m in Virginia ~ when will these bullies go away? What can I do to expedite his/her departures? MJ
Hi MJ,
First of all, thank you for not plinking them-LOL! I know how frustrating it can be to see birds who need to feed being bullied. The good news is you shouldn’t have to do anything and they should move on very soon. Nothing you need to or should do to expedite it.
Do let us know when they have cleared out, will you? Mine didn’t stay nearly as long.
Here’s the AllAboutBirds map showing when they are where. They mostly breed north of the border.
Jeff
HE’S BACK!
In February 2022, I had one of these cuties guarding my feeders in Gainesville Florida for a few weeks.
He showed back up early in November, and was sharing at first. Now that we have had some cold waves he is chasing my homies off (Chickadees, Titmice especially).
I am now trying to spread out my feeders. If only he would chase off the squirrels! lol
Hi Edy,
Thanks for stopping by and updating us on your yellow rumped warbler situation!
I haven’t had one for many years but I still remember how odd I thought it that a bird that didn’t plan on staying defended the feeders as if he built them-LOL!
And don’t worry about your chickadees and titmice. They’re both fast and sneaky enough to keep fed-HA!
Do you have any reason to think they’ll stay through the winter there?
Jeff
I googled “aggressive yellow rumped warbler” and came across this article. Glad to see I’m not alone. I have one that’s been out there for the last few days chasing mostly the chickadees and titmice away. I hope he moves on soon. Interesting that they do this. I’m in central NC.
Hi Blair,
Welcome to my site and thanks for stopping by! He WILL move on. I promise. The one I had years ago chased off EVERYBODY, literally-LOL!
I’m not sure why they do this either. They’re not establishing a breeding territory and there’s always more than one feeder at my station. He did not anybody eating any of HIS stuff.
And then, he just left like it didn’t matter. Must have just been passing through.
Tell me when he/she leaves, will you?
Jeff
Thanks so much for discussing this topic of aggressive yellow rumpled warblers at feeders! I also found this article by searching online. Just yesterday while watching birds at my feeder, I noticed one fluttering its wings at a male Northern cardinal, looked like begging behavior for food at first, which I thought was really bizarre. After the Cardinal was finished at the feeder, the warbler started chasing off all the smaller bird species attempting to get to the feeder. It would actually fly after them to keep them away. In all my many years of birding, I’ve never seen this behavior before.
I’m in SE Georgia. Thanks again for having this discussion online.
Hi Becky,
I so glad you found the article and discussion helpful! Thanks for your kind words too.
I remember also being taken aback by my feeder sentry’s aggression. Mine didn’t care how big the bird was either.It really just came down to whether the victim was actually willing to back down. It was the first time I’d seen a transient species try to claim the feeders as their own.
Jeff
Finally! I’ve been asking all around various birding groups about my aggressive Myrtle YRW! Not a soul knew what I was talking about until now!
I live in Tampa and look forward to my goldfinch charm (flock) returning every winter and this winter has been no acceptation.
I have four caged feeders filled with thistle and sunflower hearts for my goldies and all was well until the Myrtles showed up! Well, it seems to be just one Myrtle. The other two Myrtles seem to be chased by this singular aggressive one.
So far it has chased away all of my goldfinches and it appears they aren’t coming back this winter thus far.
I’ve had these warblers before, but never had this issue. I’m glad it will be moving along after winter but unfortunately so will my goldies! Darn bird!
Hi Michele,
Thank you for stopping by and letting us know what’s going on in Tampa!
The YRW I had was just passing through and did not stay that long. Unfortunately, he may have been heading for a place like Tampa-LOL! Mine also didn’t keep any birds from staying around which also seems to be the case with yours.
Let’s just hope he decides to move on before too long.
Keep me posted, will you?
Jeff
I’m in Oakland CA, and I too have a very aggressive YRW! I’ve been here since 2004 and had never seen a YRW in the vicinity until about 2 weeks ago, and as with the other accounts, it has taken over the feeders in front of my house!
However, after reading all the accounts above, I have something new to add! I also have a hummingbird feeder that this little bird has been feeding from, and it is now chasing away my hummingbirds too!!!
It’s a cute bird, but as with the other posters, the cuteness is starting to wear off! If I manage to get a video of the hummingbird chase, I’ll come back and post it.
Hi Amy,
I remember how surprised I was when I realized it was a YRW taking over my back yard-LOL!I had never heard of migratory birds establishing this kind of presence before. Mine was only worried about the seed feeders on my pole system and was only here a couple weeks at most. Mine also never bothered the goldfinches and was gone before my hummingbirds arrived.
I’m sure the fact that I’m in TN and you’re in CA has a LOT to do with how long he/she has hung around. The migration map I’m looking at in Merlin shows Oakland right in their year round and non-breeding areas. However, the majority of the breeding and migratory areas are to the East and North of you. I’m sure spring breeding should drive them away at some point. Sorry I couldn’t be more definite about it.
Hang in there and let us know how it goes, ok?
Jeff
I had a dominant Yellow-rumped Warbler at my feeders during winter 2021-2022. This winter 2022-2023, I have one that has become an outright bully! He picks mostly on other warblers and also Finches. I’ve seen him dive on a Purple Finch that was minding its own business and foraging for scraps on the ground. This little tyrant won’t let goldfinches anywhere near my feeder. I don’t mind so much that this Yellow-rumped is keeping the House Finches away, but I do wish he would leave the others alone. Seems strange to me, but there’s always one bird that’s going to go against common knowledge/experience.
Hi Michael,
I agree that there’s always at least one. This year, I have a robin who enjoys eating hulled sunflower seeds from the no-waste mix I put on my patio!
The YRW I had years ago defended the main feeder but really didn’t go after anything and everything. But I have to agree that keeping the house finches at bay IS a very impressive task if you have them en masse as I usually do-LOL!
He/she won’t stay and will move on to breed when the time is right for your area.
Let us know when that is, will you?
Jeff
I, too, am frustrated watching all of “my” songbirds, chickadees, orchard oriole, chat, goldfinches, house finches, chipping sparrow and others being bullied by a yellow rumped warbler. I have 9 feeders around my house and he has decided to rule them all. He doesn’t mind starlings or house sparrows. What an ill behaved bully. I was so happy to see my yellow rumped warblers return in December. I can’t tell if he’s the only one chasing everybody else away or not. When I took the feeders down yesterday I lit didn’t seem to upset him. I felt so guilty when the little woodpecker, chickadees, chipping sparrow, wren and goldfinches were dismayed at the loss I put them back up only to have the not bullies eat a tiny bit before being dive bombed. I know this is nature but good grief. I’m frustrated and saddened to see my cool nice birds being bullied:( I’m in the outer banks of North Carolina. When will this bully leave??
Hi Christie,
When I wrote this post, I had only had ONE YRW patrolling my back yard feeders! I STILL remember how persistent and relentless he/she was!
It doesn’t surprise me that he doesn’t “mind” house sparrows or starlings and I think you know why, don’t you? Because THEY won’t be bullied! Either of those species will just do as they please and the YRW knows this-LOL!
Be patient and study this map.
He WILL move on to breed! Not soon enough but in due time.
Let us know how it goes and, unless you have sick birds, leave your feeders up. Your birds will find a way to eat, I promise.
Jeff
I have one Yellow Rumped who is defending 5 feeders and has chased all the house and goldfinches away.
Hi David,
Thanks for stopping by and sharing with us. I’m always surprised when I hear of this level of feeder takeover-LOL! Mine set up shop at my major feeder station. He didn’t stay long and seemed to favor the biggest feeder.
Where are you located?
Jeff
Hi again, Jeff. We are beginning week three of this little tyrant yrw… I think he has a partner in this crime. I don’t think he’s going anywhere. I don’t think the passive patient approach is working too well on or with him. I have one brave goldfinch, a cardinal pair, a few chickadees. two woodpeckers, and a wren left. They sneak in and grab a bite then skeedaddle. completely defeating the purpose of peaceful bird feeding and our enjoyment.
Yep, I know why the grackles, starlings, and house sparrows aren’t bullied away. He shares the seven feeders he’s taken over with them.
Hi Christie,
I still think you’re going to see him/her move on eventually. Probably sooner than you think. Keep me posted.
And the grackles, starlings and house sparrows are residents so THEY share THEIR feeders with your little tyrant-LOL!
Jeff
Hi Jeff, on Friday of this week, the tyrant YRW and his mate or bestie will have been dominating our now 7 feeders. I have studied the migration map, etc. he (they) are quite happy here in outer banks of NC:( Any advice? Waiting patiently aside? thank you! christie
Hi Christie,
It’s both good and not so good to hear from you again-LOL! Good, of course, because I love to help members of the community. Bad because this has gone on WAY longer than I would have predicted.
I have to admit honestly that I’m out of my depth here. Even in the outer banks of NC, I could never have anticipated this level of territoriality. Because this obviously has NOTHING to do with food sources. This pair has decided your property is THEIR property.
The only suggestions I can offer as it warms up you may just have to take all your feeders down for a week or so. Just to see if that affects them in any way. Your birds will be fine and will return.
Finally, I’ll repeat that I truly believe they WILL move on. The Cornell map I’m looking at right now shows they would only be where you are during non-breeding times. Since they breed far north of you, I still think their reign will end soon.
I would also invite anybody else who’s having this issue right now or in the past to comment on what they’ve done.
Keep us informed, ok?
Jeff
unfortunately, the aggressive pair of yrw are still here. I have more properly identified them as an immature male and female…They sure aren’t acting mature about sharing and continue chasing the other songbirds away (week 8 or 9 now). Chased our little palm warbler, chat, and orioles away-made it inhospitable. The goldfinches gave up about ten days ago. The woodpeckers, wrens, & house finches continue trying to eat as do the chickadees, cardinals, and of course the other aggressive ones-blackbirds, crows, grackles, house sparrows, etc. I have ten feeders, throughout our yard, so adding more feeders or spacing or waiting patiently don’t seem to be the answer.
Hello again Christie,
As my mother used to say “Goodness, Gracious!” You have to be setting a new record for complete dominance by a migratory species, easily!
There’s still time for them to move on to their breeding grounds. I can’t find a single map that doesn’t show them going north soon. Except for a sliver that’s not the outer banks.
I know how not fun it is to watch ANY species take over your yard and feeders. I still think as soon as you can, you should try taking them down to see if you can force their move.
Ten feeders? Whew! I’d need a staff for that-LOL! I was sure adding more wouldn’t change anything, though.
Let me know if you’re successful in getting them to move on. Don’t worry. Your other birds WILL return.
Jeff
Hello,
I came across this thread while researching this exact behavior. This is the third winter we’ve spent in our house here in NV (Reno) and this season I have noticed one YRW chasing off all of my other would-be diners (mostly lesser goldfinches and house finches, and even one other YRW). He doesn’t seem to bother my neighbor’s sunflower feeding station, but my two suet cylinders are taking months for him to consume alone. I’m worried they will go rancid and make him or any other diners sick. I wish he would figure out that his food source will not run out if he was willing to share!
Hi Michelle,
Thank you for stopping by and contributing!
Your situation there in Reno is much different than that which I had. My YRW was ferocious but fairly short-lived as I think he/she was here during migration, if I recall.
I would change out the suet if you have any concerns for its safety.
The Merlin app tells me that YRWs are only in Nevada during migration so I’m clueless why he/she is still there.
Do let us know if you have any change, will you? It’s puzzling to me.
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
It’s true I only see them here in the winter. Last winter we had a few of them visit during the winter months but no territorial behavior. This season I’ve only seen the one (except for the few others that he’s chased away). This one is a booger! Hard to get upset though when I think about how difficult the winter months are for wildlife.
Hi Michelle,
You’ve got the perfect attitude toward all of this! He/she won’t be there forever and you can’t help laugh at their antics-LOL!
Update us when they decide to move on, would you please?
Jeff
Hi from a wooded neighborhood in central North Carolina (Greensboro)!
I have 2 YRWs exhibiting the same behavior.
Have enjoyed reading your articles and the comments.
I personally love having the yellow rumbled warbler chase off the house and goldfinch. The finches hang out at the feeders all day long not even really eating, The little gluttons just sit there with food falling out of their beaks wasting all the seed. I have to fill up the feeders daily when they take over, very annoying.
Hello Martha,
Thanks for your kind words and stopping by with your YRW experience. I have a friend who lives in Greensboro as well. Beautiful country!
Jeff
Hi Eric,
I’m right with you when it comes to the house finches. They SHOULD have some competition to keep them honest.
Jeff
I see that I’m about six years late to this party, but since the thread still seems to be active I thought I should post to say that, like others, I found this site after Googling “aggressive yellow-rumped warbler.” I’m in SE Virginia where we only see them during the winter. I remember seeing this behavior for a couple of weeks or so last winter, but hadn’t this year until a few minutes ago when a YRW buzzed a kinglet off a suet feeder and then immediately afterwards buzzed a chickadee off the bird bath. Like last year, I can’t tell if it’s just one rogue bird or several, as (I hate to say it) they “all look alike to me.”
Anyway, I’m just glad to see that I’m not the only one with a “warbler from hell.” Hopefully, as was the case last year, this aggressive behavior will only last for a short period. Wish I knew why.
Hi Lee,
Thank you for stopping by and commenting here. We all learn from each other.
No such thing as too late here-LOL! As long as my readers continue to have these issues and are searching for answers, I’m happy I can help in any way!
You’re right too: especially where you are, the behavior should only last a short while.
I still remember how fascinated I was to see a migratory bird moving in and deciding THIS was HIS/HER yard-HA!
Do let us know when this situation changes so we can get a better idea of the future possible duration.
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
Thought I’d chime in with my recent observation of a male Yellow-Rumped Warbler aggressively defending my peanut and suet feeders here in Dahlonega, Georgia.
I’ve only had my feeders for 6 months or so, and it’s fascinating to hear that this isn’t common for YRWs, particularly because I had a Pine Warbler doing the same thing prior to the YRW’s arrival (although the Pine Warbler’s concern seemed limited to the Bark Butter spreadable suet). Now the Pine Warbler is included in the birds being chased away. What goes around, comes around, apparently!
I’m not sure if the timing is related, but this week I had to temporarily take down my nyjer and sunflower seed feeders after finding a sick and dying Goldfinch on my porch. The YRW took up his post right after. We’ll see what happens after I put them back up on Tuesday.
Appreciate all your insight and good to learn the YRW’s reign shouldbe short-lived!
Lisa
Hi Lisa,
Thank you for stopping by and telling us what’s happening in your neck of the woods!
I don’t think I’ve ever had a pine warbler or seen one doing that. What goes around is right-LOL!
I’m afraid that you may have more of a disease problem than you know. Do you get house finches? I’m guessing the goldfinch caught whatever from them. If it’s the eye disease, I would recommend taken anything they might frequent down cleaning them and keeping them down for a couple of weeks. That house finch eye disease can spread to birds way beyond just finches too. Better safe than sorry.
Here’s my article on that: https://www.birdoculars.com/take-down-your-feeders-at-first-sign-of-house-finch-eye-disease/
Let me know if there’s anything else I or we can help you with.
Jeff
We are in Florida and this one little bird is reading havoc over my feeders! How soon will he be gone?
Hi Kristi,
Thanks for stopping by!
It’s hard to say for sure in Florida but mine was just passing through and stayed a couple of weeks.
Let us know how it works out there, will you?
Jeff
Hi Kristi,
My YRW finally left after about two months! But we have a colder winter here in Reno so this one probably stayed longer than he would in FL? I only noticed last week that the finches have finally been able to return to our feeder.
Michelle
Hi Michelle,
Good to hear from you again! Your YRW stayed WAY longer than ours did. And it’s great to see the finches finally get to come back-LOL!
Thanks for sharing again!
Jeff
Here in southeast Virginia we have the YRWs throughout the winter; however, I don’t see this aggressive behavior consistently across those 3 or 4 months. So far I don’t even have a hypothesis about why sometimes they behave this way and other times not, but if I ever figure out a pattern I’ll be sure to post here!
Thanks, Lee! Great to hear from you!
I think residents act a WHOLE lot different than when they’re just passing through.
Do let us know if you see the pattern, ok?
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
Not sure if you are still replying to this years long thread about the YRW bullies but here goes:
I messaged you back in 2023 about my little YRW bullies and you were kind enough to reply with humor and support.
They did leave after three months and I had none last year but this year it’s happening all over again in my tiny Tampa garden.
They’ve chased away my goldfinches, house finches, chickadees, house wrens, and titmice. They also go after my cardinals and even the crazy house sparrows!!
But one bird in particular, a one legged Carolina Wren who I’ve been feeding mealworms to for the past year was the last straw!
One of the bully warblers pinned my wren the ground and pecked him in the head. This little wren has a hard time getting around so I feel the need to try snd figure something out. I’ll keep you posted!
Michele
Hi Michele,
Sorry to hear about your returning YRW bandit-LOL! I know how your heart goes out to your Carolina Wren. We have a few birds we’re feeding that have some challenges and get bullied.
As for responding to older post comments: if people in the community feel it’s important to write me, I’ll respond, period.
Since their livelihoods are not in jeopardy in Tampa, I would seriously consider taking your feeders down for a couple of weeks to see if the YRWs move on. I also know how hard that is to do from my house finch eye disease encounters but it may speed up their departure. Keep in mind where I am, Nashville, they are generally moving through and not looking for a warm place to stay. So I may just be full of it. But it’s worth a try at least.
My latest concern here is a mockingbird that has decided my bluebird feeder falls within his two square mile territory. He chases everybody off (except the squirrels-LOL) and I’m concerned the bluebirds won’t be able to nest here this Spring. Unless anybody in the community has a suggestion, I’ll have to consult with my local wildlife rehab people for suggestions.
Keep me posted on what you decide to do, OK?
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
You are so kind to reply back to so many fellow birders like myself!
I now have somewhere around 8 YRWs so I’ve been hiding mealworms in flower pots for my one legged wren because he loves to hang out in them! 🙂
As far as mocks go I feel your pain!
Last year I had a mock with a nasty temper who tried taking over my yard and my neighbor’s yard as well. This mock kept attacking my neighbor so he trapped him in a humane rat trap and drove him a half hour away!!
I doubt that’s legal but we didn’t have anymore problems with that mockingbird at least!
I understand we can’t control nature and really birds are just doing what is natural to them but your poor blue birds definitely have a lot to deal with I’m sure.
In Florida we have many blue bird boxes at local parks to help them out.
My sister just bought an amazing bluebird box with predator guards on the Duncraft website to help her bluebirds.
Please keep us posted about yours! I sure wish I had some in my yard this year!
Happy birding,
Michele
Best of luck
Hello again, Michele,
It is my pleasure to help make feeding birds and wildlife just that much easier for anybody considering it. Your words are kind!
You’ve done well for your little wren and I can feel his appreciation for what you’ve done for him!
As you’ve said, I’m sure that wasn’t legal and I’m sure you wouldn’t promote that for the population at large. I do believe you took every precaution.
I’m not sure what’s going on with this mockingbird. It hasn’t tried to attack me (a plus in my eyes for his/her-LOL!) but it enjoys going after just about everyone else. Yesterday, I was able to get the bluebirds to come down and eat from “his” feeder because I tried a trick that’s worked for me in the past. Namely, the predatory stare-LOL! My neighbors already think I’m insane so I’m not worried how I look. All I did was stare at him like I was sizing him up while the bluebird family (all five of them) came down and fed feverishly. He had no trouble going after them after they got outside what he considered my viable strike range but at least they were able to get a meal before bed.
Obviously, this is not a sustainable approach because they should be able to feed whenever they need to. I’m looking at a couple caged bluebird feeders that won’t allow him to bother them. The main issue for me besides the mockingbird is that I have and feed squirrels. So it has to be something they can’t destroy. I’ll figure something out. Duncraft even has some of these, I see.
I still can’t believe you have EIGHT YRWs! The good news is that they probably spend a lot of time fighting amongst themselves which should give some birds rotating windows of opportunity-LOL!
I’ll definitely post updates as they happen. You do the same, will you?
Best,
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
I really hope you can get the right feeder for your bluebirds! I had them for years at my last house and took them for granted. Now that I live near the city I never see any and would be thrilled to have them!
My sister just bought a bluebird house and caged feeder for her bluebirds. We’ll see how that works out.
I am also the crazy bird person in my neighborhood. My husband and I have no children and he asked to take a break from dogs once our last dog died 3 years ago. Losing a dog, as you well know, is excruciating.
So I agreed and became a crazy bird lady. I need someone small to take care of and birds and squirrels are my drugs of choice. 😉
I even have JC Wildlife Nuthouses for my squirrels and with the cold winter we’ve been experiencing here in Tampa, they are really going to great use!
It’s just amazing how these animals get by with so little here. Florida is so overdeveloped and unfortunately most of the native trees and plants are gone. But in my tiny yard they thrive and in doing so my yard has become a lively habitat of birds, insects (lots of bees and butterflies), opossums, and the silly raccoons,
No matter what life throws at me, I can just escape into my little yard, my secret garden and immerse myself in nature, It’s so wonderful.
Please keep me posted on your bluebird feeders and I’ll do the same about my sister’s as well!
Happy birding,
Michele
Thanks, Michele! Will do!
My bluebird/all animals expert, Julie Zickefoose, says I need to remove his food to see if that works. If not, take everything down and see if he moves on. She also thinks there’s a good chance that his pursuit of a mate could just move him away from my property. I’ve already taken his misappropriated feeder down and will see what that does first.
Jeff
Hello: with regard to the YRW, we have several at our feeder in Williamsburg, VA. They seem to return every year, and they are always aggressive, , territorial, and entertaining. We have named ours Beserkers, it seems much more fitting
Dick
Hi Dick,
I love it!!! Berserkers it is!
I haven’t had any in a long while but this mockingbird that believes my back yard, including the bluebirds’ eating/nesting/raising area are part of HIS two square mile domain. I’m actually going to have to take down feeders after our snow/cold snap moves on just to get him thinking this is NOT the place he needs to stay.
Here in Nashville, when I had them, they were very short-lived before they moved on to mating/nesting parts of the map.
Enjoy the antics while you can! Thanks for stopping by and sharing.
Jeff
Hey Dick,
What a coincidence: I’m in Williamsburg VA too! (I’m technically in York County just east of the Burg, but my mailing address is Williamsburg.)
I posted here last March to say that my YRWs seem to be territorial and aggressive at some times during the winter but not others, and I promised to post again if I was able to figure out any patterns in this variation. As far as I can tell, the answer is pretty obvious and intuitive: They defend “their” feeders more aggressively when the weather is the coldest, and less so when the weather is more mild. Duh, right?
Hi Lee,
Thanks for stopping by and updating us on your backyard in the “Burg”-LOL!
I’ve found for years, especially with goldfinches, that a mere ten degree change here in Nashville can result in a ghost town-type effect. No kidding. They can be mobbing everything (two chip feeders and two thistle feeders) in the 30s and 40s and nearly completely disappear above 50. They come back when they realize how silly they’ve been but I’ve always wondered how they just decide they really don’t need to eat one day-LOL!
I too find it a strange energy occurrence that two people from Williamsburg decided to check out the blog and comment the same day. Spooky!
I’ve also found that birds needing to continue searching for a mate can make them no-shows as well.
The mockingbird I mentioned in my reply to Dick is unbelievably adaptive. I’ve seen him go from one feeder, or even the ground under them, to another claiming it is HIS area. My bluebirds are my major concern because they seem to be natural competitors for worms and such. Hopefully, when the hormones kick in he’ll give up this slice. Or I may just have to wait for it to get a little warmer and take EVERYTHING down for a few days.
We’ll see how it goes. Please update us as you can. The Merlin app tells me they are not year-round or breeding in your part of the country. So they should be on their way in a bit.
Jeff