blackthroated blue warbler (Dendroica caerulescens)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONFIRMATION STATUS: Confirmed.

 

IDENTIFICATION:

• Length: 4.5 inches

• Small, active, insect-eating bird

• Thin, pointed bill

• Small white patch in wing can be inconspicuous in immatures

• Often found in the understory of forests rather than the canopy

Adult male:

• Black face, throat, and sides

• Remainder of underparts white

• Deep blue crown, nape back and wing coverts

• Immature males similar to adult males but can have a greenish wash                to the upperparts and have a whitish chin

Female:

• Gray crown and cheek patch

• White supercilium

• Grayish upperparts

• Dark wings and tail

• Yellowish-white underparts

Similar species:

The male black-throated blue warbler is instantly recognizable. Females
are rather nondescript but the small white patch in the wing is diagnostic.
When this patch is absent, look for the dark cheek patch contrasting with
the white supercilium. The unstreaked underparts and lack of wing bars
are also helpful field marks.

 

LIFE HISTORY

Migration Status: Neotropical migrant
Breeding Habitat: Woodland
Nest Location: Mid-story/canopy nesting
Nest Type: Open-cup
Clutch Size: 3-5
Length of Incubation: 12-13 days
Days to Fledge: 11-12
Number of Broods: ?
Diet: Primarily insects; lesser quantities of plant matter

 

SKY MEADOWS DISTRIBUTION/SEASONAL OCCURRENCE

 

Relative abundance and seasonal occurrence are indicated in red below.

 

Relative abundance
     C - Common: Likely to be present in good numbers in appropriate habitat and season.
     U - Uncommon: May be present in appropriate habitat and season, often in low
            numbers.
     O - Occassional: Found in appropriate habitat perhaps only a few times per season,
            sometimes low numbers.
     R - Rare: May not be recorded every year.
     Acc - Accidental: Recorded once or twice, may not be expected again for a long time.

 

Seasonal Occurrence
      Sp - Spring: March, April, May U
      Su - Summer: June, July, August
      Fall: September, October, November U

      Winter: December, January, February

 

 

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