Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah

Rec. # 2016-12


Common name:

Northern Parula

Scientific name: Setophaga americana
Date: 5/14/16
Time: 10:00
Length of time observed: 8-10 minutes
Number: 1
Age:  
Sex:  
Location: Garr Ranch
County: Davis
Latilong:  
Elevation:  
Distance to bird: 12'
Optical equipment: Pentax Binoculars, Canon SX50 hs camera
Weather: Clear
Light Conditions: Good
Description:        Size of bird: 3.5"
(Description:)       Basic Shape: Compact Warbler
(Description:)  Overall Pattern: Gray upper/white & yellow under
(Description:)            Bill Type: Medium warbler.
(Description:)                              
Field Marks and
Identifying Characteristics:
Yellowish green patch on back between "shoulder blades", yellow throat and breast with rust colorations in breast and sides, white belly and under tail.
(see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery: Bird was originally ID'd by Julie Zickefoose by the song. I never heard it vocalize.
Behavior: Feeding on insects in the canopy of a couple of trees.
Habitat: Sparse deciduous tree.
Similar species and how
were they eliminated:
YRWA- didn't have yellow rump and absent of streaking. Green patch on back eliminated a lot of the warblers with gray upper parts. Lack of streaking on flanks, sides, or breast eliminated all others.
Previous experience with
this & similar species:
I have seen this species multiple times in the Mid-west.
References consulted: The Warbler Guide for comparison with other warblers.
Description from: Notes taken at the time of the sighting
Observer: Mike Hearell
Observer's address: 173 W 1825 N, North Ogden
Observer's e-mail address: **
Other observers who independently identified this bird: Julie Zickefoose, Taylor Abbott, 40+ others that were on the Bird Fest trip.
Date prepared: 5/17/16
Additional material: Photos
Additional comments: