yellow rumped/myrtle warbler & flycatcher - Boston.MA (2 Viewers)

[Jon1977]

Hi,
i've identifed this bird as a Myrtle Warbler, which is also referred to as a yellow rumped warbler in breeding plumage. I saw my first YRW in the fall (pick included) so my questions are a) is this is a myrtle warbler/male YRW, and b) if it is, is it considered a different species that I can count as another 'tick'?
the second bird I can't identify. i guess it as some kind of flycatcher but the orange legs are throwing me off.
thanks for the help
Jon

 

[avesjohn]

You're correct on the first bird being a male "Myrtle" Yellow-rumped Warbler. "Myrtle" and "Audubon's" warblers were once considered separate species, but are currently considered subspecies of the Yellow-rumped Warbler; there is, however, some talk of splitting the species again. In other words, under current taxonomy this warbler wouldn't be considered a new "tick" on your list. However, seeking out different subspecies that serve as potential future splits is always worth doing. Likewise, although they can't be "ticked" onto your lists, seeking out different plumages of birds you've already seen (such as the fall and spring plumages of "Myrtle" Warbler in your case) is also fun.

Not sure about the second bird; the angle and lighting aren't sufficient enough for me to make any specific guesses.

 

[Nutcracker]

You're correct on the first bird being a male "Myrtle" Yellow-rumped Warbler. "Myrtle" and "Audubon's" warblers were once considered separate species, but are currently considered subspecies of the Yellow-rumped Warbler; there is, however, some talk of splitting the species again.

Already been split again by many, e.g. IOC

 

[Peter C.]

Taxonomic change wouldn't matter to the O.P.'s original question though, since both warblers (as far as I can determine) were seen in the east, and therefore would almost inevitably both be the same species (i.e. Myrtle) even if the split were to be universally accepted.

The second bird's long, forked tail, short bill, and plain underparts are making me think Chipping Sparrow, although I don't see enough plumage clues to be sure on that.

 

[Jeff Hopkins]

I was thinking a sparrow for #2 also. Hadn't thought of chippie, but that fits.

 

[tom baxter]

#2 I was thinking house sparrow but after reading the comments and seeing chipping sparrow suggested, I must agree. Particularly in the 5th picture you can see the typical fine pointed beady black bill of a chipping sparrow.

 

[Tiraya]

Sparrow for sure but not sure I'd want to put any weight on species ID from those two images, though chipping is likely.

 

[Peter C.]

Sparrow for sure but not sure I'd want to put any weight on species ID from those two images, though chipping is likely.

Agreed on that. ID as a Chipper largely based on the "likelyhood" criterion. The long tail with a good notch in it strongly suggests Spizella, and Chipping is the most common, but not only, bird of that genus in the east.