The specific trichas is also from Greek; trikhas is a kind of thrush, the word being derived from trikhos, "hair".

[4] Common yellowthroats are small songbirds that have olive backs, wings and tails, yellow throats and chests, and white bellies.

Adult males have black face masks which stretch from the sides of the neck across the eyes and forehead, which are bordered above with white or gray.

[7] Northern races are nocturnal migrants,[7] wintering in the southern parts of the breeding range, Central America and the West Indies.

Despite a decline in numbers,[1] which is due to loss of favoured habitat,[citation needed] this species is still very common.

Migration differences in timing and routes are also seen during the spring months from early February to late May in these same groups across the United States, Canada, and other areas.

[7] One place of study on common yellowthroat migration that is unique and worth noting is Appledore Island, Maine.

Common yellowthroats here typically migrate to this island during the spring months displaying distinct patterns of movement and stopover ecology.

[9] Future studies are needed to understand specific migration patterns of common yellowthroats in other parts of the United States.