Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Yellow-throated Warbler
Scientific name:	Setophaga dominica
Date:	December 12, 14, and 16, 2023
Time:	12:26 p.m (Dec 12)
Length of time observed:	15-20 minutes total during at least four observations over 1 1/2 hours
Number:	1
Age:	Probably adult
Sex:	Probably male
Location:	Ogden Valley
County:	Weber
Latilong:	41.28250 111.75862
Elevation:	4,981
Distance to bird:	20 yards
Optical equipment:	8x42 bins, 85 mm scope w/20-60x zoom eyepiece
Weather:	Sunny and hazy; mild for mid-December
Light Conditions:	Bright and not glaring
Description: Size of bird:	Similar to House Finches, but shorter-tailed
(Description:) Basic Shape:	Small passerine
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	Black, white, yellow, gray
(Description:) Bill Type:	Insect-eating
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	Thin dark bill longer than half the length of the head from front-to-back - Bold black-and-white head pattern - Gray crown center with black edges over the white supercillia - White supercillia tinged yellow at the supraloral area - Black mask somewhat triangular shape from bill to nape and drooping down on side of face like a falcon's mustache marks - Black eye within mask with a white under-eye arc - Large white spot on side of neck - Brilliant yellow throat continuing down slightly onto upper breast - White underparts with coarse black streaks on sides - Common warbler tail spot pattern with wide wide stripe down the center and tips of outer tail feathers with a blackish edge - Gray mantle, wings, rump, upper-tail coverts, tail - Wings with two white wing bars; one short, one long (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:	None heard
Behavior:	Visiting apples in an apple tree many times. Very active, not pausing long at any apple. Acrobatic and sometimes fluttering like a kinglet or stretching upside down to reach an apple. Between trips to the apple tree, the bird flew out of the tree and disappeared for awhile, ostensibly to run other errands. On December 16, the bird landed on the chimney of the home and also entered the open garage, exploring extensively.
Habitat:	Landscaped yard bordering open agricultural fields.
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	Of the bold black, white, yellow and gray warblers, the Yellow-throated is the only one whose yellow is limited to the throat and upper breast. The long bill and large white neck-spot are also unique.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	None with this bird or Grace's, the species most similar. Light experience with most of the bold black, white yellow and gray Setophagas except for the commonly-seen Townsend's and Yellow-rump (in subdued plumage at this time of year).
References consulted:	I called up a photo and the range map on Merlin at the site to show the homeowner and her family how beautiful the bird was and how remarkable it was to be in her apple tree (they were not aware of it). This was before I took notes at the site. Sibley, eBird and Birds of the World later, at home.
Description from:	Notes taken at the time of the sighting From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting
Observer:	Kristin Purdy
Observer's address:	Ogden
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:	Mike Hearell, Dec 14
Date prepared:	Dec 12 and 16, 2023
Additional material:	Photos
Additional comments:	Not reported in public fora at the time of the sighting to protect the privacy of the homeowner.