Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah

Rec. # 2013-79


Common name:

Northern Parula

Scientific name: Parula americana
Date: 19 November 2013
Time: 2:30 pm
Length of time observed: 15 Minutes
Number: 1
Age: Adult
Sex: Male
Location: Airport Dike (South Side).
County: Utah
Latilong:  
Elevation: 4500
Distance to bird: 20-50 feet
Optical equipment: 8x42 Binoculars
Weather: Drizzling rain
Light Conditions: Fair. It was very overcast and raining.
Description:        Size of bird: Warbler sized
(Description:)       Basic Shape: Warbler Shaped
(Description:)  Overall Pattern: Blue-gray top, yellow and white below.
(Description:)            Bill Type: Small and pointy.
(Description:)                              
Field Marks and
Identifying Characteristics:
Blue-gray head, wings, rump and top side of tail. Green mantel. Yellow throat, chin and chest. Blue-gray and rusty 'necklace'. Rust patch on flanks. White eye-arcs above and below the eye. Bill was bi-colored. Upper mandible was dark, lower mandible was flesh colored. Belly, undertail coverts and undertail were white. Two white wing-bars on each wing. Feet were pale. See photos.
Song or call & method of delivery: None.
Behavior: Skulking around in brush. Seemed to be with a couple of chickadees.
Habitat: Brushy Willow and Cottonwood (short trees) growing on the side of the airport dike. Provo Bay to the south, airport to the North.
Similar species and how
were they eliminated:
Eliminated Tropical Parula by white eye-arcs.
Eliminated all other warblers by bi-colored bill, face pattern, green mantel and other field marks.
Previous experience with
this & similar species:
I have seen a few Northern Parulas. I saw one Tropical Parula many years ago. I have lots of experience with all of our common Utah warblers.
References consulted: The Sibley Guide to Birds App.
Description from: Notes made later
Observer: Eric
Observer's address: Huish850 E 100 N Pleasant Grove, UT
Observer's e-mail address: **
Other observers who independently identified this bird: Carlos Caceres was with me. He got some good photos.

Date_Prepared:

Photos: Photos

Additional_Comments: 

 
Date prepared: 20 November 2013
Additional material: Photos
Additional_Comments: 3rd year in a row I've found a Parula on the Provo Airport Dike.
ebird checklist -