Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Black-throated Green Warbler
Scientific name:	Setophaga virens
Date:	10-11-2026
Time:	11:00 a.m.
Length of time observed:	15 minutes
Number:	1
Age:	Male
Sex:
Location:	Holladay
County:	Utah [Salt Lake Co.]
Latilong:	40.664605 -111.822537
Elevation:
Distance to bird:	5-15 meters (moving)
Optical equipment:	Leica Ultravid 8x42 HD, Canon R7 100-400 mm lens
Weather:	~50 degrees
Light Conditions:	Poor
Description: Size of bird:	~6 inches, smallish songbird/passerine
(Description:) Basic Shape:	Warbler
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	Yellow, Black, White
(Description:) Bill Type:	Thin, pointed
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	I had just arrived home to my house on my birthday to let my dog out. I went inside and came out the front door and could immediately hear the "chup" call of a warbler. I assumed right away that it was a Townsend's, which would have been a new yard bird for me (understanding that the group of setophagas warblers that include Hermit and Black-throated Green sound the same, but considered expected species first). I thought "cool, new yard bird I should get my binos". I went inside quick and grabbed the binos and went back out. The bird was up high in the canopy across from my house, and it was deep in the leaves. I briefly got a look at its face and realized it was not a Townsend's, as the facial markings were limited and not as contrasty. I then jumped to Hermit or HermitxTownsend's seeing the black in the throat and some on the sides, although views were still limited. I texted a group and told them I had an odd warbler, and than rushed to find my camera. I could hear it calling for a good 7-10 minutes, but it wouldn't appear for a good view. Finally I pished and it popped up and I could see the facial pattern, black on the sides and breast, and the tint of yellow near the vent. I snapped a bunch of photos and realized what I was looking at. Lacked the dark auricular pattern of a TOWA, too much black on the chest and flanks for HEWA, more of an intermediate facial pattern between TOWA and HEWA, looked great for a fall male Black-throated Green. The bird continued to call for another 15 minutes after my pictures and moved to neighboring trees behind businesses along Holladay BLVD. Many other birders attempted to relocate but it seemed to be moving with a lull in the rain. Crazy birthday bird! (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:	Very consistent "chup" call given every few seconds for several minutes
Behavior:	Foraging
Habitat:	Mixed deciduous canopy
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	TOWA - Darker more contrasting facial/auricular pattern, Dark throat with finer streaking on sides of breast, darker/black on top of head HEWA - Limited facial pattern, black limited to throat
Previous experience with this & similar species:	Extensive with TOWA in Utah and California, I've only seen a few HEWA in California, I've seen many Black-throated Green during my time in the midwest in MN and WI
References consulted:
Description from:	From memory From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting
Observer:	Max Malmquist
Observer's address:	Holladay UT
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:
Date prepared:	10-14-26
Additional material:	Photos
Additional comments:	https://ebird.org/checklist/S401450132