Vitelline Warbler
Setophaga vitellina
A small, brightly colored species of dry woodlands and scrub; sometimes visits suburban gardens and parks. It is very similar to the Prairie Warbler, which has a shorter eyebrow that rarely extends much behind the eye. Many Prairies have blackish streaking on sides, while the Vitelline sometimes has dusky streaking on the sides. Similarly, Prairies usually have a white vent as opposed to the Vitelline’s typical yellow vent. Song typically buzzy with three brief introductory notes followed by a longer up-slurred note and then a long down-slurred note: dzz-dzz-dzz-zzzzee-zzzzuu.
Identification
This species bears a stark resemblance to the prairie warbler, sharing its streaking on the belly, yellow-green back, and subtle yellow wingbars, differing with the intensity of the black streaks. Its song is a string of 4-5 rising harsh buzzy notes.
Taxonomy
This species is part of the large New World warbler genus Setophaga. Currently, there are three subspecies described:<p>These subspecies differ noticeably in underpart coloration and head patterning. Some taxonomists have considered this species conspecific with the North American prairie warbler. However, a genetic study confirmed its species status, while reaffirming a close relationship between the two species.
- Scientific name
- Setophaga vitellina
- Authority
- (Cory, 1886)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Parulidae
- Genus
- Setophaga
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
This species usually occupies dry woodland with considerable scrub, though will tolerate some disturbance, and has begun to occupy more urbanized areas since human arrival.
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Townsend's Solitaire
Myadestes townsendi
Sleek songbird, a bit smaller than robin and much slimmer. Overall plain medium-gray with short bill, rather long tail, white eyering, and buff patches in wings. Note upright posture and white eyering. Found at higher elevations in the breeding season. Drops into lowlands in the winter. Loves juniper. Song is complex; call is a single, ringing, bell-like note.
Gray-capped Warbler
Eminia lepida
Large, chunky, uniquely marked warbler. Note the black eye line, gray crown, maroon throat patch, olive-green back, and gray underparts. Skulks in the thick undergrowth of various habitats including forest, moist woodland, overgrown cultivation, and marsh. Often near water. Very loud and vocal. The song is an explosive and highly variable mix of pretty whistles and trills.
Eurasian Curlew
Numenius arquata
Scimitar-billed large shorebird of varied open habitats. Note large size, overall brown plumage, and long, decurved bill (appreciably shorter on juvenile). In flight shows white back patch, mostly white underwings. Common call an onomatopoeic "coor-lee." Compare to smaller Whimbrel, which has head stripes, a piping whistled call, and Far Eastern Curlew, which has a buffy rump and extensively marked underwings. Breeds mainly in grasslands, from coastal marshes to upland moors; winters mainly in coastal lowlands, especially mudflats and adjacent marshes.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.