The birds I see with the greatest frequency here in D.C. are American robins. I see them all year round too – they are permanent residents. Even though I see robins on a daily basis, I never have any idea if the robin I am looking at is a male or a female. They look exactly the same to my eye, though my understanding is that the females are slightly paler than the males.
Some birds are like that – the males and females look almost the same. But many birds are sexually dimorphic and there are differences between the sexes that are obvious.
Hector and I decided to go explore Fletcher’s Cove early Saturday morning. Quite a few folks were already there when we arrived. Some kayaked, some fished, and some were birding, just like us.
We were absolutely thrilled when we saw a black-throated blue warbler perched on a tree branch on the edge of the cove. I was immediately able to see that the bird was male. Male and female black-throated blue warblers do not look alike.
The males have black throats, black faces, and are a bright-blue color on the tops of their heads and down their backs. Their tummies are white. The females are a dull greenish-brown color with yellowish-white bellies.
As far as I know I have never seen a female black-throated blue warbler, but I cannot say for sure. Since the females are less flashy than the males, it seems like I may have seen one and not realized it.
When I got home from our walk to Fletcher’s Cove, I looked black-throated blue warblers up in my birding field guide to refresh my memory regarding what the females look like. I learned that the males and females have one plumage thing in common: they each have a white patch on their wings. This white patch will help me identify a female if I am ever lucky enough to see one. I’ll keep my eyes peeled and let you know if I do!
XOXO,
Bernice
3 responses to “One Thing in Common”
Hi, Bernice. Good looking fellow that black throated blue warbler! Maybe I will color my spots “blue” and wear a black turtleneck (but only in the fall and winter) and tell people I am a friend of the male black throated blue warbler. Bet people would be surprised!
Love,
Dad
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I’ll pick you up a bottle of blue hair dye ASAP, Dad 😉
I love you.
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I kinda doubt Mrs. G would like you to color your fur blue, Mr. G 😉
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