Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla), Tumacacori, Santa Cruz County

This Ovenbird was discovered and photographed by Alan Schmierer on 09 December 2010 on west side of the Santa Cruz River, down-river about 0.5 miles from Santa Gertrudis Lane .

Ovenbird is a rare, but usually annual,  summer visitor and transient in Arizona.  It is accidental in winter.

Physically it is a unique heavy-billed warbler with dark greenish-brown back, wings and tail; white underparts with heavy black streaking; white eyering giving it a big-eyed appearance; and distinctive tawny crown bordered by narrow black head stripes.

09 December 2010, photo by Alan Schmierer

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