Arizona puzzles (1 Viewer)

[Hamhed]

A trip report for an SE Arizona trip in May nearly complete but for these two i.d.'s. Any help much appreciated.

Steve

 

[Nutcracker]

My guesses:

1 immature Verdin

2 Blue Grosbeak (pic brightened below in case it helps anyone)

 

[AidenD]

What eliminated Black-Chinned Sparrow as a possibility for #1?

 

[Nutcracker]

What eliminated Black-Chinned Sparrow as a possibility for #1?

Nothing, apart from my lack of familiarity with it - mine are just guesses, since no-one else had replied yet. That looks a better bet than my guess :t:

 

[Hamhed]

Thanks for lightening the Grosbeak photo, Nutcracker. I suspected that species but never thought of trying to rework the lighting.

Steve

 

[Hamhed]

Nothing, apart from my lack of familiarity with it - mine are just guesses, since no-one else had replied yet. That looks a better bet than my guess :t:

My best guess so far was an immature Virginia's Warbler. The eyeing, plain gray chest and habitat are all good. However, the bill color is wrong as is the lack of yellow undertail coverts.
But I did some more thorough homework and found pics on the web that show the bird to be an immature Verdin. Sibley's newest western guide does not show the eyering nor the definitly yellow/orange bill color. The plate on page 317 shows a bird in juvenile plumage. Possibly this is a very recent fledgling? It was alone and feeding on it's own though...
Anyway, I'm happy with that i.d. Thanks again, Nutcracker.

Now, on to publishing the report!

Steve

 

[dominic.patagonia]

Nutcracker is correct on both counts. Immature Verdins are pretty unique looking - i've seen them confuse people regularly

 

[Nutcracker]

Nutcracker is correct on both counts. Immature Verdins are pretty unique looking - i've seen them confuse people regularly

Nice to know, thanks! I wasn't at all sure, which is why I said 'guesses' 8-P