Black-throated Blue Warbler

Dendroica caerulescens

HOW TO IDENTIFY:

* Length: 4.5 inches
* Small, active, insect-eating bird
* Thin, pointed bill
* Small white patch in wing can be inconspicuous in immatures
* Often found in the understory of forests rather than the canopy

Adult male:

* Black face, throat, and sides
* Remainder of underparts white
* Deep blue crown, nape back and wing coverts
* Immature males similar to adult males but can have a greenish wash to the upperparts and have a whitish chin

Female:

* Gray crown and cheek patch
* White supercilium
* Grayish upperparts
* Dark wings and tail
* Yellowish-white underparts

Similar species:

The male Black-throated Blue Warbler is instantly recognizable. Females are rather nondescript but the small white patch in the wing is diagnostic. When this patch is absent, look for the dark cheek patch contrasting with the white supercilium. The unstreaked underparts and lack of wing bars are also helpful field marks.