Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2008-28
| Common name: |
Palm Warbler |
| Scientific name: | Dendroica palmarum |
| Date: | 4/26/08 |
| Time: | 5pm-ish |
| Length of time observed: | 15+ minutes |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | adult |
| Sex: | male? |
| Location: | Road to Bear River refuge where it crosses the canal |
| County: | Box Elder |
| Latilong: | |
| Elevation: | |
| Distance to bird: | 15-30 feet |
| Optical equipment: | B&L Elites 8X42 |
| Weather: | Mostly Sunny - high clouds I believe |
| Light Conditions: | Good |
| Description: Size of bird: | Warbler-size |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Warbler-like |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | Brownish with some yellow and rust |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | Warbler-like |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Warbler that was relatively non descript...it had a bright rusty cap with a dark
and obvious eyeline. The eyebrow was mostly yellow...particularly near the
bill...the throat and lower auriculars were a light yellow. The undertail
coverts were pretty bright yellow. The remaining underparts (belly, flanks,
lower throat, etc.) were cream-ish colored with dull streaks along the flanks. I
did not note the color/pattern of the back, but they seemed relatively plain and
nondescript. Photo is diagnostic of the 'Western' subspecies for this species.
At one point, there were two Palm Warblers at this location. (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | None |
| Behavior: | Foraged in tamarisk near the canal...did pump tail, but not as much as most Palm Warblers I've observed |
| Habitat: | Open ranch land with tall grasses and tamarisk...adjacent to a fresh water canal |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Pine Warbler - does not have the rusty cap or yellow undertail coverts, tail
pumping Prairie Warbler - no rusty cap and dark eyeline, tail pumping |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
I've seen hundreds in Florida and New York |
| References consulted: | Sibley |
| Description from: | From memory |
| Observer: | Colby Neuman |
| Observer's address: | |
| Observer's e-mail address: | colby.neuman@gmail.com |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | Betsy Beneke I believe found two Palm Warblers at this location (2 days prior?) |
| Date prepared: | 10/20/08 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional Comments: |