The crown and back are olive-brown. The most diagnostic feature is a large black patch on the throat. The side of the head is yellow with a vague, triangular, black patch below the eye.
Wing bars are present.
The black throat patch is absent or indicated by a few scattered black feathers. The fall male is similar to the breeding male, but duller and the feathers of the breast and throat are edged with yellow. The fall female is similar to the breeding female. Similar to the female. The Black-throated Green Warbler is unlikely to be confused with any other eastern warbler during the breeding season.