Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata), La Posada Hotel, Winslow, Navajo County

This Blackpoll Warbler was found and photographed by Richard Fray on 22 September 2019

Casual in Arizona with 35 accepted records, more frequently found in fall. One of the most frequent "eastern" warblers in coastal California, but notably more difficult to find in the interior West. If accepted by the ABC, this would be the first record for Navajo County.

The general structure and plumage characteristics eliminate all species but Bay-breasted Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler and Pine Warbler. Pine Warbler can be eliminated by the  white tips on the primaries and relatively short tail. The characteristics of this warbler that support Blackpoll Warbler over Bay-breasted Warbler are: the white undertail coverts that contrast with the greenish-yellow flanks, the streaked sides on the greenish-yellow breast, and the pale coloration of the legs and feet. In addition, there is no chestnut coloration at all on the sides of this bird, which is sometimes present in fall Bay-breasted Warblers.

22 September 2019, photo by Richard Fray

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