Tennessee Warbler (Vermivora peregrina), Sweetwater Wetlands, Pima County

This Tennessee Warbler was discovered by Philip Kline at Sweetwater Wetlands on 3 November 2009 and photographed by Andrew Core on 03 November 2009.  Because of plumage differences, it appears to be a different bird than the one discovered by Will Russell at Sweetwater on 23 October 2009.

Tennessee Warbler was one of the more common of the eastern vagrant warblers prior to 1990 with over a hundred reports.  It was even removed from the review list for a time.  Like many other northerly breeding warblers, it has become much rarer recently and was put back on the review list.  There are fewer than 10 accepted records since 2000.  However, the number of reports has increased in the last couple of years, especially at Sweetwater and at the Gilbert Water Ranch.  This is the third one reported at Sweetwater this fall. 

In this plumage, very similar to Orange-crowned Warbler.  Note the short tail and contrasting white undertail coverts.  Unstreaked underparts, light supercillium, dark eyeline and single wing bar are supporting marks.  

03 November 2009, photos by Andrew Core

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