Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla), Roper Lake State Park, Graham County

This Ovenbird was found by John Barthelme on 27 January 2017 and photographed by Arlene Ripley on 30 January 2017

A rare, but usually annual,  summer visitor and transient in Arizona.  It is accidental in winter.

Physically it is a unique heavy-billed warbler with dark greenish-brown back, wings and tail; white underparts with heavy black streaking; white eyering giving it a big-eyed appearance; and distinctive tawny crown bordered by narrow black head stripes

30 January 2017, photo by Arlene Ripley

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