Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens), Sasco Road at Santa Cruz River, Pinal County

This Black-throated Green Warbler was found by Brian Walsh on 16 January 2017 and photographed by Laurens Halsey on 17 January 2017

Prior to 1990 there were about 30 records for Arizona, but it has been much scarcer since with only about a half dozen records. This pattern of decreased occurrence since 1990 is similar to that of several other northerly breeding eastern warblers that are much less common as vagrants to the state than previously. However, in the past few years several Black-throated Green Warblers have been documented, and the frequency of records of this species may be increasing. 

Distinguished from Townsend's Warbler and other species by yellow around the vent; broad black streaks on the upper chest, side, and flanks; and two-toned face, yellow with mustard cheeks.

17 January 2017, photo by Laurens Halsey

All photos are copyrighted© by photographer