[citation needed] Four subspecies have been recognised:[2] Bahama yellowthroat is 15 cm (5.9 in) long with a large bill.

The adult male of the nominate race G. r. rostrata, found on Andros and New Providence islands has an olive-green back and mainly yellow underparts, slightly paler on the belly.

The female is similar, but lacks the black mask and has a grey crown; she may have a whiter belly.

The adult male of G. r. tanneri, found on Grand Bahama, Great Abaco and associated islands, has a yellow tinge to the forecrown band, and G. r. coryi of Eleuthera and Cat islands has a mainly yellow forecrown.

It builds a cup nest low in dense vegetation or a tree stump, and lays two eggs.