Our logo features the common yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) perched upon a twig of American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana).
Our logo features the common yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) perched upon a twig of American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana).
These two organisms are members of our unique East Texas ecosystem and likely to be encountered.
The common yellowthroat (a wood-warbler of the family Parulidae) nests in the spring in wet areas with dense low vegetative growth. The common yellowthroat eats insects. Though widespread in the U.S., much of its habitat is on the decline due to loss---humans drain wetlands for development. This bird faces additional challenges from global climate change. As the global ecosystems change, wetlands are an area particularly susceptible.
Read more about this bird from the Audubon.
(Video from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services)
A member of the Verbnaceae (Verbena family), the American beautyberry is a low shrub found commonly throughout southeastern North America from Florida to Texas and north to Oklahoma and Arkansas. It can grow in sun or shade but prefers moist soils. It blooms from early to late spring. Blooming is followed by notable bright purple berries that are important in the diets of deer and many birds. This plant has been used in traditional medicine as a way to treat malaria and fevers.
