Yellow-breasted Chat

The Yellow-breasted Chat is the largest of all wood-warblers. They are generally extremely shy and retiring, skulking birds, and are usually found alone. They are summer residents of central Illinois building a nest 3-6ft off the ground in a bush or low sapling. The chat possesses some behavioral traits unique to warblers; it is among the few warblers to scratch under the wing and is the only warbler known to hold food in its feet. The one pictured is sitting in the top of a Chinkapin Oak.