Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 11-2000
| Common name: |
Black-and-White Warbler |
| Scientific name: | Mniotilta varia |
| Date: | 22 Oct 2000 |
| Time: | 12:45 |
| Length of time observed: | 20 sec |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | unknown |
| Sex: |
unknown (see description)
|
| Location: | Mathis Park, St. George |
| County: | Washington |
| Latilong: | |
| Elevation: | ~2500 ft |
| Distance to bird: | ~10 m |
| Optical equipment: | |
| Weather: | 55 F, cloudy, 2-3 mph wind |
| Light Conditions: | Cloudy sky at mid-day |
| Detailed description of bird: |
A strikingly black & white striped warbler. White median crown stripe, black
lateral crown stripes, white supercilium, and black eyestripe w/ darkish (but
not jet black) auricular patch. Black & white striped on back. Two bold
white wingbars. Black streaking on flanks; otherwise, white underparts.
Chin and throat were white, which suggests female, but does not rule out male (Dunn and Garrett 1997). Extent of black on side of neck not noted, which will prevent definite sex determination. However, I can rule out first fall female because the bird lacked any buff or yellowish coloration. The black and white contrast was striking on this bird. |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | No vocalization |
| Behavior: | Foraging on main trunk of deciduous tree, approx. 3m above the ground. Bird was with large flock of primarily Audubon's Warblers. |
| Habitat: | Riparian Woodland along the Santa Clara River. |
| Similar
species and how were they eliminated: |
No other species presenting serious identification challenge. Median white crown stripe and black/white striping on back eliminates Black-throated Gray Warbler.. |
| Previous experience with this & similar species: | Extensive experience with Black and White Warbler in eastern U.S. and with Black-throated Gray Warbler in western U.S. |
| References consulted: | Dunn & Garrett. 1997. A Field Guide to Warblers of North America. |
| Description from: | From memory. |
| Observer: | Robert Dobbs |
| Observer's address: | 234 E. Cobble Creek Dr. #4, Cedar City, Utah 84720 |
| Observer's e-mail address: | rcdobbs@ilstu.edu |
| Other
observers who independently identified this bird: |
Steve and Priscilla Summers |
| Date prepared: | 22 Oct 2000 |
| Additional material: | |
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