photo by Phil Swanson

Vermivora chrysoptera
L 4 3/4″ (12 cm).

Song or calls:
Song is soft “bee-bz-bz-bz.” Longer than similar song of Blue-winged Warbler.

Description: Long, slender bill. White tail spots conspicuous from below. Bluish-gray above, grayish-white below. Male has black throat; black ear patch bordered in white; yellow crown and wing patch. Female is similar, but duller.

Habitat: Second-growth woodlands, scrubby thickets, and overgrown pastures.

Where in Nebraska: Rare spring and fall migrant in eastern Nebraska. Vagrants occur west to Logan and Keith Counties. No breeding records.

Status: Population is declining.

Field Notes: Hybridizes with Blue-winged Warbler, with offspring singing the song of either or both parents, or variations all their own.

Fun Facts: Golden-winged Warbler’s often hybridize with Blue-winged Warbler making the individuals look like crosses, however, they sing the song for either the Golden-winged Warbler or the Blue-winged Warbler.

(click image for larger view)