Sorry all for the delay. I was on a fabulous weekend birding trip (Mountain Plovers!), and didn't get back until late last night.
We can easily tell this is a wood-warbler species by its small, compact appearence and complex markings involving yellow. The yellow face, contrasting eyeline, white wingbars and flank streaks tell us that this is one of the closely related "black-throated" warblers (Black-throated Gray Townsend's, Hermit, Black-throated Green, and Golden-cheeked Warbler). The throat itself isn't actually solid black, meaning that its either a young or female bird. Unfortunately, featherbrain didn't give us the location where the photo was taken, so we'll have to go through every species methodically.
Black-throated Gray is easily ruled out by the prescence of yellow on the face. The only bit of yellow on a Black-throated Gray is a tiny spot on the lore, between the eye and the bill.
Townsend's not only has yellow on the face, but on the breast, belly, and flanks. The quiz bird only has yellow on its face, ruling out Townsend's.
Hermit simply shows no eyeline at any age, and they have no flank streaks, eliminating it.
Black-throated Green shows a much less contrasting eyeline and crown, and though we don't have a very good view of the mantle, it would be a solid olive green color, whereas this quiz bird's mantle is a slatey gray, with faint patterning.
That makes our last remaining contestant Golden-cheeked Warbler. The contrasting eyeline and crown, plus lack of any yellow on the breast, belly, or flanks makes this a female Golden-cheeked for sure.
featherbrain photographed this female Golden-cheeked Warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia) at Balcones NWR, near Austin, Texas.
Incorrect guesses
Black-throated Green Warbler - 2
Worm-eating Warbler - 1
Congratulations to these users who guessed correctly!
Bird Man of Texas
Ephily
Andy Lee
tim.birdboy
valleygirl
Nancy
Next quiz will be posted either tonight or tomorrow morning. It's a little different!
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