Black-throated Blue Warbler (Dendroica caerulescens), Ft. McDowell Tribal Lands, s. of Hwy. 87 , Maricopa County

This Black-throated Blue Warbler was discovered by Justin Jones, Marceline VandeWater and Troy Corman and photographed by Troy Corman on 12 December 2009.

Typically a rare visitor in Arizona, particularly during fall migration with a few reported annually on average. There are many fewer winter records with this possibly the first for Maricopa County.

Adult male Black-throated Blue Warbler identification is pretty straight forward.  This appears to be a first fall male.  Note the greenish back, yellow on the vent, brownish wings and white feathers just below the bill. 

12 December 2009, photo by Troy Corman