[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ TAS BirdBoard ] [ FAQ ]
Posted by Robin on 14:43:15 04/06/10
In Reply to: Western Spindalis continues 4/6 posted by Robin Diaz
The two orange-faced and orange-throated Prairie Warblers are very interesting. The birds are fairly easy to see so someone with good camera equipment should be able to get nice photos. They are Prairie Warblers, as the facial pattern is distinct, they both have bold crescents under the eye, and the flank streaking and undertail patterns are good for the species. The brighter bird has chestnut mantle streaking and they both bob their tails. The orange extends into the supercilium but not the crown, as far as I can tell.
I ruled out external coloration, such as pollen because the orange pattern is exactly the same on each bird and ends at the same place on the lower throat. I ruled out Pine Warbler because of the size, shape, behavior and other field marks. Hybrid doesn't fit because there are 2 birds exactly the same and all other field marks fit Pairie Warbler. I believe there was a discussion several years ago about this coloration but I don't remember details. Neither the Dunn/Garrett nor the Curson/Quinn/Beadle warbler books mention this orange coloration.
I forgot to mention that there are at least 2 Cape May Warblers feeding in the same tree. Least Terns have arrived on Crandon Beach.
[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ TAS BirdBoard ] [ FAQ ]