Population
Estimated population is 1,000 - 2,499 (2010) and decreasing.
Status VU
Habitat destruction and degradation through reed-cutting for tourism facilities and house construction, and drainage for agriculture and cattle-ranching, accidental and induced fires, human disturbance, are the main threats.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Habits
Mostly within 15 m of, and never more than 50 m from, water.
Voice
Song is a rich, powerful series of phrases. A harsh 'tchech' call.
Belding's Yellowthroat (Geothlypis beldingi) [XC394386]
by Richard E. Webster from San Jos\u00e9 del Cabo, Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, Mexico (call)
Belding's Yellowthroat (Geothlypis beldingi) [XC346520]
by Barry Edmonston from San Ignacio Oasis, Muleg\u00e9 Municipality, Baja California Sur, Mexico (call)
Subspecies
Forms a superspecies with Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) and Bahama Yellowthroat (Geothlypis rostrata), presumably also including Olive-crowned Yellowthroat (Geothlypis semiflava) and all have sometimes been regarded as conspecific. Variation in coloration considered clinal by some authors.
The following 2 subspecies are recognised:
goldmani Oberholser, 1917 - Central Baja California, in north-western Mexico.
Similar Species
Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) which is smaller with pink on lower mandible. Males have grey border to mask (some Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) can have yellow border). Females duller with more indistinct facial pattern.
References
See References.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet