Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2021-44
| Common name: |
Palm Warbler |
| Scientific name: | Setophaga palmarum |
| Date: | 8/8/21 |
| Time: | 8:16 |
| Length of time observed: | 15 seconds |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | Unknown |
| Sex: | Unknown |
| Location: | Big Cottonwood Canyon, Silver Lake |
| County: | Salt Lake |
| Latilong: | |
| Elevation: | 8700ft |
| Distance to bird: | 30ft |
| Optical equipment: | Vortex 10x50 |
| Weather: | Sunny, calm, clear |
| Light Conditions: | Excellent |
| Description: Size of bird: | Warbler-size |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Pointed bill, thin legs, tail held level |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | Brown with yellow undertail and white belly, rufous cap |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | Thin and pointed |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
As I was looking for crossbills, I noticed some small passerines in the trees near the entrance. Saw a couple different species, but one that stood out was a Warbler with a rufous cap, brown body, slight brown streaks on the chest and a yellow undertail. |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | Silent |
| Behavior: | Forage gleaning |
| Habitat: | Mountain forest |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
The rufous cap differentiated it from most other birds. Chipping Sparrow eliminated due to bill shape, foraging behavior, and yellow on undertail. Yellow-rumped Warbler eliminated due to lack of yellow flanks, overall brown coloration and rufous cap. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
Seen this species frequently in Wisconsin and West Virginia and have seen it in Utah as well. |
| References consulted: | None |
| Description from: | From memory |
| Observer: | Ian Batterman |
| Observer's address: | 8538 S Harvard Park Dr |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | None |
| Date prepared: | 8/10/21 |
| Additional material: | |
| Additional comments: |