Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea), Gilbert Water Ranch, Maricopa County

This Prothonotary Warbler was found and photographed by Richard Catero on 21 September 2008 on the north side of Pond 4 at the Gilbert Water Ranch. 

Prothonotary Warlber is a rare transient in Arizona but occurs annually. 

This is an immature bird which is duller and greener than the adult.  In the spring, Prothonotary Warblers have black or dark brown bills, but this changes to a lighter color in the fall.  Note the unbarred blue-gray wings, white undertail coverts, white tail spots, short tail and plain yellow head with a beady black eye. 

21 September 2008, photos by Richard Catero

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