There are about 13 species. The face of the male has a black mask with a white border above it.
Common yellowthroats breed throughout North America.
They spend the winter from northern California to South Carolina and Central America. The birds live in wet grassy or marshy areas, where they can hide among the tall reeds. They nest on or near the ground. The female usually lays four eggs. Belding's yellowthroat has solid yellow underparts and a yellow border on the black mask of the male.