This four and one-half inch songbird's name comes from its bright yellow cheek patch. The patch is dissected by a distinct black streak, which goes through the eye.
Males are black above and white below, with a black bib and crown.
Females have duller colors than males. This bird requires older growth forest with a dense tree canopy. It forages for a variety of insects including caterpillars found in the oak and juniper trees. The golden-cheeked was once found throughout Central Texas, but today it has been eliminated from some counties. Their stay in Texas lasts until about the end of July, when they begin departing to take advantage of more abundant winter food supplies south of our border.