warbler, but which and 1 or 2?

[Thomas Boysen]

These two birds were elusive and I did not manage to get a could capture of either. I hope it is enough for the great people here to help me. Taken last week on the north shore of Gabriola Island, BC. the second bird is in the next post. I could imagine they are male and female, but then again very possible they are not. Pictures were taken at the same spot 11 minutes apart. The first one seems to have an orange spot on the crown, so maybe Orange-crowned Warbler, but other things don't seem to match.

Thanks in advance for any help!

Thomas

[Thomas Boysen]

here the second one

[David Smith]

With the shape of the bill and the black eye with no eye ring, I would say that it is probably a Yellow Warbler..

Dave

[Paul Burgess]

The first one looks like an orange-crowned to me; the orange spot, the ever-so-slight droop of the bill and a light yellow eyebrow. With the yellow eye-ring, geography, and the dull-yellow/olive colour, I'd guess the second one is an orange-crowned as well. Just guesses, though.

[Dan Brown]

I agree with Paul, Orange-crowned. The first shot definately shows orange in the crown, which is a rare sight!

[John Chardine]

Great call on the Orange-crowned Warbler Paul and Dan. I'm wondering if the second bird is the same species or not. I'm struck by the differences in the facial pattern, the yellow lores and throat, and darkish cap.

[Paul Burgess]

I'm wondering if the second bird is the same species or not. I'm struck by the differences in the facial pattern, the yellow lores and throat, and darkish cap.

I'm starting to wonder too. I saw a yellow warbler today that looked remarkable similar; eye ring, etc. I don't think the back was as dark as Mr Boysen's, but it was quite olive.

[Paul Burgess]

Just looked in a warbler book that I have. It could be a fall Wilson's; which has the dark cap and back and the yellow eye-ring. Also would fit location.

-Paul

[Ilija Dukovski]

Just looked in a warbler book that I have. It could be a fall Wilson's; which has the dark cap and back and the yellow eye-ring. Also would fit location.

-Paul

Paul, you are right about Wilson's but this bird does not have as yellow face and the key is the broken eye ring rather than wilson's fully circular. (All Wilsonia in fact...)

Cheers, Ilija