Just last week we did a little birding with WBU's Chief Naturalist John Schaust. We saw a Magnolia Warbler gleaning insects from leaves and he pointed out a very distinctive field mark: a white band in the tail.
On the Confusing Fall Warbler page of the Peterson Field Guide this is pointed out, as is the yellow rump. I vowed to keep these key field marks in mind when viewing warblers.
Low and behold, just 5 days later, I had my chance. My first look at the bird was typical warbler - partially obstructed. My second look was much better.
But my next look sealed it: a beautiful white band at midtail. Add the yellow rump and I had myself a Magnolia Warbler! No need to even check the guide or ask around (which doesn't happen often for me!!)
Another useful page in the Warblers Peterson Field Guide is the undertail pattern page that also shows a dark outer band and white inner band and undertail coverts. I got a good look at those too.
It doesn't happen often with warblers, but it's nice to have such distinctive field marks on a bird to solidify an ID. It's also nice to be able to put a tip into practice right away, to help cement in my little brain!! I need all the help I can get with warblers!
Ellen & Margaret - glad to be of even a little help with warblers!
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | September 30, 2012 at 12:20 PM
Love the article! Anything that helps me gain more pointers is A-OK with me. Stokes has a nice guide that shows warbler undertail patterns. Regarding Magnolias, note the eye ring, and you may also see remnants of the "necklace" across the breast and down the sides, as with this bird. Nice shots!
Posted by: Margaret | September 28, 2012 at 07:22 AM
I just learned this one recently myself. It was that "undertail pattern" that clinched it, since I often see warblers from below. Now I can eliminate Magnolias from the "confusing fall warblers" category!
Feel free to post more tips!
Posted by: Ellen | September 27, 2012 at 09:35 AM