Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla), South of Dudleyville, Pinal County

These photos were taken by Wade Leitner of an Ovenbird mist-netted and banded at a new MAPS station south of Dudleyville near the San Pedro River

Ovenbird is typically a casual summer visitor to AZ, with a surprising concentration of records during late May and early June, often of singing birds in forested areas.

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 appearence; and distinctive tawny crown bordered by narrow black head stripes.

Submitting photos to AZFO does not constitute reporting a rare bird for consideration as an official record. To ensure that a record becomes official, details or photos of Sketch Details Species should be sent to the Editors of North American Birds and a full report of Review Species should be submitted to the Arizona Bird Committee. Most rare birds are under _documented and subsequent observers of a rarity are always encouraged to submit reports and additional photos, especially for birds that are challenging to identify.

 

29 June 2008, photo by Wade Leitner