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Posted by Bill Boeringer on 11:53:23 10/16/06
On Sunday afternoon, I had a warbler in my yard that was a real puzzle: overall, it appeared to be a very dingy female Redstart, but with only a trace of yellow at shoulder, and a dingy breast with some grey smudging.
The most striking feature was a grey head, which in some light appeared slightly darker on top (a cap?) and a distinct and pronounced complete white eye ring. When I first saw head, my immediate thought was Nashville due to the grey color and prominent eye ring. But of course, there was no yellow on throat or breast.
The tail never fanned, and the upperside of the tail showed no color at all, just dull and dark, although there was a questionable hint of lighter color in tail when it moved. I could not see underside. The tail was slightly notched and long, I'd say very Redstart-like except for color.
The bird didn t really act like a Redstart, either; fairly sedentary, although it did make one "hawking" run after an insect (which is only way I caught hint of light flash in tail). However, its general build and "look" said Redstart.
The Peterson warbler book references Redstart X Nashville hybrids, but I've been unable to find any photos or drawings.
Other migrants in the yard were Magnolia, 2 American Redstarts, BT Blue, and several Palm Warblers.
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