Chestnut-sided Warbler
Setophaga pensylvanica
Breeding birds show yellow cap, black triangle under eye, streaked back and reddish-brown sides. Looks remarkably different in fall with distinctive lime green above and gray below with bold white eyering. Breeds mainly in secondary forests, especially areas with large shrubs and young trees. Does well in disturbed habitats, particularly power line cuts and areas that have been logged. Forages for insects. Winters in Central America.
Identification
This species is a moderately-sized New World warbler. Despite having very different plumage, it is thought to be closely related to the widespread yellow warbler. In total, this species measures from 10 to 14 cm (3.9 to 5.5 in) in length and spans 16 to 21 cm (6.3 to 8.3 in) across the wings. Body weight ranges from 8 to 13.1 g (0.28 to 0.46 oz). Among standard measurements, the wing chord is 5.7 to 6.8 cm (2.2 to 2.7 in), the tail is 4.2 to 5.8 cm (1.7 to 2.3 in), the bill is 0.9 to 1 cm (0.35 to 0.39 in) and the tarsus is 1.7 to 1.9 cm (0.67 to 0.75 in).<p>In the summer, male chestnut-sided warblers are unmistakable in appearance. They display dark-streaked gray backs, white faces, black eyestripes and yellow crowns. Their underparts are white, with chestnut flanks, and they also have two white wing bars. The adult females resemble washed-out versions of the summer male, and in particular, the females lack the strong head pattern, and also have little to no chestnut coloring on their flanks.<p>Non-breeding birds of both sexes have bright yellow-green crowns, white eye-rings on a grey face, and unstreaked underparts. They also have unstreaked pale grey breasts. Their wing bars are always present in their plumages. Their lack of streaking and yellowish backs help to distinguish this species from the larger blackpoll warbler in the fall.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Setophaga pensylvanica
- Authority
- (Linnaeus, 1766)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Parulidae
- Genus
- Setophaga
Range and habitat
- Breeding range
- NA : sc, se Canada to nc, ne, e USA
- Non-breeding range
- Guatemala to n SA
- Migration
- Complete migrants
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Flores Hawk-Eagle
Nisaetus floris
A large eagle with a bright white head and underside and a chocolate-brown back and uppertail. In flight, appears entirely white except for bold dark bars and tips on outer wings and tail. A rare eagle of forested lowlands and foothills, restricted to several of the Lesser Sundas islands. Larger than immature Rufous-bellied Eagle, with bolder tail bars, an all-white head, and noticeably bulging inner wings, unlike Rufous-bellied. Differs from Short-toed Snake-Eagle in its lack of dark markings on underside of forewing and its clean white underparts.
Alpine Accentor
Prunella collaris
Stocky, stout, and unobtrusive bird of alpine regions above the treeline. Often seen shuffling around boulders in small groups. Distinctive dark wing panel bordered by pale spots forming two wingbars, particularly obvious in flight. Barred throat can be difficult to see but chestnut flanks with white streaks distinctive. Flight is strong and fast before diving behind rocks.
Western Tragopan
Tragopan melanocephalus
A large, short-tailed pheasant. Male appears mostly dark with prominent white dots all over. Note the bright orange patch on the breast, the red hindneck, the reddish face bordered by a black crown and ears, and the blue throat. The female is brownish-gray with paler underparts, and is finely streaked with white. Inhabits undisturbed montane forests with dense undergrowth. Feeds on the ground, but is known to roost in trees. Call is a short, nasal wail.
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