Re[4]: Western Tanager at Riverbend, VA
Marshall Howe (Marshall_Howe@usgs.gov)
Fri, 9 Oct 1998 16:51:20 -0600
Todd
Hopefully you are correct about the reported bird being most likely a
western tanager, based on the description of bill shape and size. But
in my opinion the bill/head structure of a yellow-throated vireo is
quite tanager-like (moreso than warbler-like), though smaller of
course. The terms "flesh-colored," and "wide at the base" are quite
subjective and not diagnostic. I really don't think any of the
reported field marks totally rules out the vireo. Since I have no
knowledge about Kurt's level of birding experience, I am just
suggesting an alternative possibility that should be considered.
Kurt, any comment?
Marshall
______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Re: Re[2]: Western Tanager at Riverbend, VA
Author: mdosprey@ARI.Net at NBS-Internet-Gateway
Date: 10/9/98 2:34 PM
Marshall,
In a message dated 98-10-09 09:25:36 EDT, you write:
<< Although I no longer have your original description of this bird,
nothing I read here eliminates yellow-throated vireo (possibly also
pine warbler?). Particularly given that the initial impression was
that of a warbler, and the subsequent size comparison with a
yellow-rumped warbler makes it sound more the size of a large vireo
than a tanager, which would be considerably larger yet. >>
Bill shape and size in Kurt's previous posts ruled out any warbler and vireo
possibilities for me. He describes the bill as flesh colored, and wide at the
base. He called it a tanager-like bill.
Cheers,
Todd Day
Jeffersonton, VA
BlkVulture@AOL.com