Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah

Rec. # 2025-60


Common name:

Tennessee Warbler

Scientific name: Leiothlypis peregrina
Date: 9-2-25
Time: 8:15AM
Length of time observed: Approx 5 minutes
Number: 1
Age: Unknown, most likely adult
Sex: Unknown, most likely male
Location: Matheson Wetlands Preserve
County: Grand
Latilong: 38.581466, -109.574168
Elevation: 3960ft
Distance to bird: Approximately 30-50feet
Optical equipment: Canon 10x50 Image Stabilized Binoculars
Weather: Clear, approx 60f light breeze
Light Conditions: Good, light coming from behind the observer
Description:        Size of bird: Small, similar to nearby warblers
(Description:)       Basic Shape: Warbler
(Description:)  Overall Pattern: Drab, darker above and white below
(Description:)            Bill Type: Thin, sharp bill
(Description:)                              
Field Marks and
Identifying Characteristics:
Appeared smaller and more compact than nearby Yellow Warbler. Overall rather drab colored bird, white underneath and appeared generally blue-gray above, with small sharp bill. As the back did not appear to be very green at first, I assumed this was a Lucy's Warbler. However, there was no rusty color on the head nor rump. Further views showed the face was light gray with a white supercilium and also white below the eye. Subsequent views showed some green in the back, but without strong contrast to the gray head. Good views showed the entire underside of the bird was white, including the undertail.
Song or call & method of delivery: Did not vocalize.
Behavior: Actively foraging in mid to upper parts of Russian Olive and Cottonwood trees.
Habitat: Generally open grass/reeds interspersed with Russian Olive and Cottonwood trees.
Similar species and how
were they eliminated:
Distinguished from Vireos by smaller size and thinner, pointed bill. Distinguished from Orange-crowned Warbler by completely white undertail.
Previous experience with
this & similar species:
Seen once previously in Utah, several times in California.
References consulted: National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds, 7th Edition; The Warbler Guide App; Birds of the World
Description from: Notes taken at the time of the sighting
Observer: Glenn Kincaid
Observer's address: 238 MIller Lane Castle Valley Ut 84532
Observer's e-mail address: **
Other observers who independently identified this bird:  
Date prepared: 11-4-25
Additional material:  
Additional comments: