The yellow-rumped warbler, scientifically known as Setophaga coronata, is a small songbird found throughout North America. It is known by several common names and nicknames, the most popular being “butter butt” due to the yellow patches on its rump. In this article, we will explore the various nicknames used for the yellow-rumped warbler and how they originated.
Nicknames Referring to Yellow Rump
“Butter Butt”
By far, the most widely used nickname for the yellow-rumped warbler is “butter butt.” This name refers to the two bright yellow patches found on the bird’s rump. When the bird is in flight, these yellow patches are highly visible, almost resembling a pat of butter stuck to the bird’s backside.
The “butter butt” moniker likely originated in the 19th century as birdwatching became a popular hobby. Early ornithologists, struck by the distinctive rump patches, began informally referring to the bird as having a “butt of butter.” The nickname eventually became condensed down to the snappier “butter butt.”
Use of “butter butt” to describe the yellow-rumped warbler can be found in numerous birding field guides and articles dating back over 100 years. Its widespread use across North America has solidified it as the bird’s most recognized nickname.
“Yellow Patches”
A more plain, descriptive nickname for the yellow-rumped warbler is simply “yellow patches.” This name directly refers to the two oval spots of yellow feathers found on the bird’s lower back and rump.
While perhaps not as catchy as “butter butt,” “yellow patches” serves as a straightforward, no-frills way of pointing out the bird’s most obvious feature. It has been commonly used in more technical or scientific contexts, where observers want to emphasize the precise location of the yellow markings.
“Lemons on the Fanny”
“Lemons on the fanny” is a regional nickname used primarily in the Upper Midwest and Canada to describe the yellow-rumped warbler. It compares the yellow rump patches to lemons sitting on the bird’s derriere or “fanny.”
This folksy nickname was likely coined by early settlers in areas like Ontario and Manitoba. The bright colors apparently reminded them of lemons, which were prized for both their tart flavor and scurvy-fighting vitamin C. The nickname’s continued use helps give it a quaint, old-timey feel.
Nicknames Referring to Diet
“Myrtle Warbler”
One of the most widely recognized nicknames for the yellow-rumped warbler is “Myrtle warbler.” This name refers to the bird’s habit of eating wax myrtle berries as a key part of its winter diet.
Wax myrtles are a species of shrub common along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard. Starting in autumn, yellow-rumped warblers migrate south and consume enormous quantities of wax myrtle fruits. Their fondness for these berries led early observers to start informally calling them “myrtle warblers.”
The nickname was officially recognized in the early 1900s when the American Ornithological Society split the yellow-rumped warbler into its own separate species called the “Myrtle warbler.” This name has stuck around even after taxonomic changes reclassified the bird back to just yellow-rumped warbler. Many seasoned birders still regularly use “Myrtle warbler” out of habit.
“Butter Myrtle”
A nickname that combines both the bird’s distinctive rump patch and myrtle-eating habits is “butter myrtle.” It neatly joins the two most recognizable features of the species into one descriptive moniker.
This portmanteau name sees most usage among avid birders who are very familiar with the yellow-rumped warbler’s traits and behavior. Casual observers may not immediately grasp the meaning of “butter myrtle” unless they are already aware of the “butter butt” and “myrtle warbler” nicknames the phrase is derived from.
“Tree Hugger”
In parts of the western United States, the yellow-rumped warbler is informally known as the “tree hugger.” This nickname refers to the bird’s habit of “hugging” tree trunks and branches as it gleans insects from the bark.
Unlike many other warblers, the yellow-rumped is a bark forager that creeps along trunks and limbs rather than flitting through foliage. Its slipper-shaped toes allow it to firmly grip onto rough bark as it probes for spiders and other invertebrates. The “tree hugger” nickname reflects this unique feeding behavior.
Nicknames Referring to Song
“Pine Warbler”
“Pine warbler” serves as a descriptive nickname for the yellow-rumped warbler derived from its crisp, sharp song. To some ears, the fast trill sounds similar to a pine branch quickly snapping back into place after being bent.
This species frequently sings from high perches near the tops of mature pine trees. Its vocalizations carry far and sound especially piercing as they emanate from the pine canopy. “Pine warbler” connects the preferred singing location with the sharp timbre of the song.
However, this name can cause confusion with the actual pine warbler species (Setophaga pinus) found in the southeastern U.S. Using the specific name “yellow-rumped pine warbler” can help avoid mix-ups.
“Cheeseburger Bird”
An odd regional nickname applied to the yellow-rumped warbler in some parts of California is “cheeseburger bird.” This name comes from an approximation of the bird’s song: “cheese-bur-ger, cheese-bur-ger.”
To imaginative listeners, the accelerating vocalization sounds like the bird is eagerly singing about the popular sandwich. This quirky nickname originated in the 1970s as coincidence or someone’s creative imagination. It adds a touch of humor and whimsy to the list of yellow-rumped warbler monikers.
Rarer Nicknames
“Yellow Hindquarters”
“Yellow hindquarters” is a descriptive but awkward-sounding nickname that directly describes the yellow patches on the bird’s backside. This moniker occasionally appears in older field guides and journals, but its clunky wording has prevented it from catching on.
“Sunspot”
“Sunspot” is a relatively rare nickname that probably arose from the yellow patches’ resemblance to small bursts of sunlight. This name may have also been influenced by the yellow-rumped warbler’s preference for sunlit areas in open woods and meadows. However, its connection to the bird’s appearance is less obvious than many other nicknames.
“Daredevil”
One uncommon nickname applied to yellow-rumped warblers is “daredevil.” It refers to the bird’s bold, acrobatic habits as it gleans food from trees. Yellow-rumpeds often hang upside-down from branches and dangle daringly over rivers and streams while foraging. This nickname emphasizes the species’ adventurous, gravity-defying feeding habits.
Conclusion
In summary, the yellow-rumped warbler is known by many colorful nicknames related to its distinct plumage, diet, song, and behavior. The most popular monikers include “butter butt,” “Myrtle warbler,” and “pine warbler.” More regional nicknames like “cheeseburger bird” and “lemons on the fanny” add local flair. Whatever name is used, these nicknames help add personality and highlight the unique traits of this widespread North American songbird. The next time you see a “butter butt” flitting through pine branches, take a moment to appreciate its nicknames!
Nickname | Meaning |
---|---|
Butter Butt | Refers to yellow rump patches |
Yellow Patches | Describes yellow feathers on rump |
Lemons on the Fanny | Compares yellow rump to lemons |
Myrtle Warbler | Refers to wax myrtle diet |
Butter Myrtle | Combines yellow rump and myrtle diet |
Tree Hugger | Describes bark foraging habits |
Pine Warbler | Refers to sharp, pine-like song |
Cheeseburger Bird | Song sounds like “cheeseburger” |
Yellow Hindquarters | Describes yellow rump |
Sunspot | Yellow rump resembles sunburst |
Daredevil | Refers to bold feeding habits |