Documentation of
Orange-crowned Warbler
2011-220
Observer Information
Reporter:
Steven Mlodinow
530 Peregrine Circle,
Longmont,
CO 80504-8806
E-mail:
smlodinow@gmail.com
Other Observers:
none;
Species, Date, Time and Location Information
Species:
Orange-crowned Warbler
First Date/Time:
9/17/2011
Last Date/Time:
Duration (total time in view):
2-3 minutes
County:
Washington
Specific Location:
Prewitt Reservoir, below dam
Number:
1
Age:
Unknown
Sex:
Unknown
Plumage:
Other/Unknown
Description of the Bird
Orange-crowned Warbler dramatically different from others seen that day and during two weeks prior. Strongly reminiscent of those commonly seen in w. Washington. Bright yellow beneath, not as saturated as in Wilson's Warbler, with yellow marginally more intense on undertail coverts. There were a few poorly defined dusky greenish smudges on sides of upper chest. Supercilium yellow, more pronounced in front of eye rather than behind. Broken eyering yellow above and below. Upperparts moderately bright green, but washed with faint gray on nape and upper back. No gray wash on head (unless one includes nape as part of head). Wing coverts green, similar to back. Rump slightly brighter. No wingbars, though narrow whitish tips to folded tertials and primaries noted.
Behaviors: Moved about low in Russian Olives, having come in to pishing
Call: not heard
Plumage: fresh fall
Similar Species Discussion
The brightness of this bird's plumage, without gray wash to head, should eliminate orestera and celata. Per Dunn and Garrett, fall lutescens do/can have some grayish wash to upperparts, which this bird had, but not extensively. In fall, at least, I have found a yellow eyering to be, apparently, indicative of Lutescent Warbler as well. This bird was dramatically different than others seen this fall, which is what brought me to submit it. I am not certain that I can ID this subspecies in spring, and indeed, it is possible that they are not identifiable at any season in the field. However, as much as such is possible, I feel that this bird is/was of the west coast race, lutescens.
Resources Used
Garrett and Dunn to confirm that lutescens can have some gray wash on upperparts in fall
Previous Experience
extensive
Notes
Notes made AFTER observation
Materials Available
No files uploaded.
Date Documentation Submitted
9/18/2011 5:03:00 PM