Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah

Rec. # 2018-34


Common name:

Hermit Warbler

Scientific name: Setophaga occidentalis
Date: 08-10-2018
Time: 08:25am
Length of time observed: 5 minutes
Number: 1
Age: adult
Sex: male
Location: Pine Lake campground
County: Garfield
Latilong:  
Elevation: 8,000ft
Distance to bird: 10m
Optical equipment: Nikon 10x 42
Weather: sunny
Light Conditions: excellent
Description:        Size of bird: 5 inches
(Description:)       Basic Shape: typical warbler
(Description:)  Overall Pattern: yellow head, white belly, dark back
(Description:)            Bill Type: typical warbler
(Description:)                              
Field Marks and
Identifying Characteristics:
I was working a mixed species foraging flock with a Pygmy Owl imitation, when I noticed a warbler with a bright yellow head, white breast and belly and blackish back with prominent wing bars. Also noted lack of any dark markings in the face and a black throat, making it an adult male Hermit
(see photo)
Song or call & method of delivery: none heard
Behavior: foraging in canopy of pines
Habitat: Ponderosa Pine forest
Similar species and how
were they eliminated:
Townsend's Warbler are similar, but have an olive back, dark mask on the face, streaking on the flanks, and yellow on the breast. A Hybrid Townsend's X Hermit should also show some streaking on the flanks and dark markings in the face
Previous experience with
this & similar species:
Yes,many
References consulted:  memory
Description from:  From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting
Observer: Bryant Olsen
Observer's address:  84102
Observer's e-mail address: **
Other observers who independently identified this bird: none
Date prepared: 08-13-18
Additional material: Photo
Additional comments:  eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S47771763