Joshua Tree NP in southern CA, last week. Lots of migrants coming thru..
Most like a black-throated gray warbler, but this one's eyebrow too long, no yellow patch near eye, and no stripes on breast.
Thanks!
Sandy
Posted by Mia McPherson on March 28, 2017 at 12:03 AM
Sandy, it is a Black-throated Sparrow.
Posted by Richard Ditch on March 28, 2017 at 12:51 PM
As Mia states this is a Black-throated Sparrow - a common southwest desert species.
Bird identification is best begun with structure rather than color. Start with the bill of small birds - the heavy bill on this bird immediately eliminates any warbler (warblers have much smaller thinner bills). This bird also looks "fat" in the chest, unlike the thinner bodies usually seen on warblers.
Discussion
2 repliesMost like a black-throated gray warbler, but this one's eyebrow too long, no yellow patch near eye, and no stripes on breast.
Thanks!
Sandy
Bird identification is best begun with structure rather than color. Start with the bill of small birds - the heavy bill on this bird immediately eliminates any warbler (warblers have much smaller thinner bills). This bird also looks "fat" in the chest, unlike the thinner bodies usually seen on warblers.