Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2026-58
| Common name: |
Chestnut-sided Warbler |
| Scientific name: | Setophaga pensylvanica |
| Date: | 9/18/2026 |
| Time: | 9:56 |
| Length of time observed: | ~15 minutes |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | |
| Sex: | |
| Location: | Antelope Island - Garr Ranch |
| County: | Davis |
| Latilong: | |
| Elevation: | |
| Distance to bird: | 8 feet |
| Optical equipment: | Bins; zoom camera |
| Weather: | 70*, spotting was during the calm between two heavy rainstorms. |
| Light Conditions: | Overcast |
| Description: Size of bird: | Small |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Thin, long-tailed warbler |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | Silvery white underside with bright, lime green head and back. |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | Thin and pointed |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Small warbler with bright lime green on head, back,
and wing. Underside is a bright, grayish white. (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | |
| Behavior: | Feeding; flitting back and forth between two elms; moving down each branch eating before flying up to the next and moving down again. |
| Habitat: | Mid-canopy in elm trees. |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Before I was able to get a clear view through my bins, I initially saw just the chartreuse back and the silvery gray belly. Chestnut-sided warbler, red-eyed vireo, and Tennessee warbler all went through my head as possibilities. Once I got a clear view, though the vireo and Tennessee warbler were eliminated due to the bright lime head. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
I saw this species briefly last year. |
| References consulted: | Kaufman Field Guide to Birds of North America |
| Description from: | From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | Jen Hitt |
| Observer's address: | Farmington, UT 84025 |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | |
| Date prepared: | 9/19/2026 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional comments: |
[eBitd checklist] |