Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata), Hassayampa River Preserve, Maricopa County

This Blackpoll Warbler was photographed by Tommy DeBardeleben on 09 October 2020.

This Blackpoll Warbler was found by Ronnie Reed and Tommy DeBardeleben on 9 October 2020 at the Hassayampa River Preserve.

Casual in Arizona with about 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.

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 distinctly streaked back, 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.

09 October 2020, photo by Tommy DeBardeleben