The Yellow-breasted Chat is the only member of the family Icteriidae. It was once a member of the New World warbler family, but in 2017, the American Ornithological Society moved it to its own family. Its placement is not definitively resolved.
I was not surprised to learn about the change in the classification of this bird. When I captured this image in 2017, it was still considered a member of the warbler family which I found odd, both on account of its size and its somewhat strange call.
That’s about the best picture of a Chat as I’ve seen – GreatBirdPic!
Thanks. If you’re ever in my hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio, this particular location is a great place to find Chats. They nest there.
Terrific picture!
Great shot and explanation of the classification. Thanks!