Critters of the Week

Where Spotted: Bryan Park
Common Name: Common Yellow Throat (Female shown)
Scientific Name: Stagmomantis carolina
Length: 4.3-5.1 in (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.3 oz (9-10 g)
Wingspan: 5.9-7.5 in (15-19 cm)

Quick Facts Courtesy of Cornell Labs

• The Common Yellowthroat was one of the first bird species to be catalogued from the New World, when a specimen from Maryland was described by Linnaeus in 1766.
• Adult Common Yellowthroats sometimes fall prey to carnivorous birds such as Merlins and Loggerhead Shrikes. Occasionally they have more unexpected predators: one migrating yellowthroat was eaten by a Chuck-will’s-widow, while another was found in the stomach of a largemouth bass.
• Each male normally has only one mate in his territory during a breeding season. However, a female’s mating calls often attract other males, and she may mate with them behind her mate’s back.
• One subspecies of Common Yellowthroat is a year-round resident in the Rio Grande river delta in Texas. These yellowthroats are not only territorial among themselves, but they also keep migrant yellowthroats of other races completely out of their habitat.
• Brown-headed Cowbirds often lay their eggs in the nests of Common Yellowthroats (and many other songbird species). This is called brood parasitism, and it’s detrimental to the yellowthroats, so they’ve developed a few defenses. They desert a nest if it contains a cowbird egg, or if their own eggs have been removed or damaged by a visiting cowbird. They may build a second or even a third nest on top of a parasitized nest.
• The oldest Common Yellowthroat on record was at least 11 years, 6 months old.

If you’re a fan of original content like those photos above be sure to give our Instagram and Dickie’s Backyard Bird Blind Bonanza on FB a follow and consider making a donation.

[wpedon id=”165378″]

Hash Brown at Richmond SPCA

Are you looking for a mature, laid back lady with some pep in her step? Look no further than Hash Brown! This beautiful lady loves nothing more than a walk, some play time, and a good cuddle session to top it off! She’s past her puppy stage and ready to relax in a mature home. If you’re looking for an easy going companion, come down to our Adoption Center to meet with Hash Brown!

Age: 4 years, 7 months
Gender: Spayed Female
Color: Brown / White
Size: M (dog size guide)
ID: 41150442