[obol] Re: Heto Warblers in Oregon: Why aren't there more reports?
- From: Larry McQueen <larmcqueen@xxxxxxx>
- To: obol <obol@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Mon, 19 May 2014 23:19:04 -0700
There is a band of hybrid Townsend's and Hermits in the Cascade Lakes area. I
have done a BBS that skirted Davis Lake, for many years, and at times
encountered more hybrids around Davis Lake than either of the pure species.
Their integrated plumage comes in many combinations, as does their song. The
usual problem is being able to see the birds, as they are often in the crowns
of conifers, but they do respond to playback and Pygmy Owl imitations , and
come down to the lake edge to bath and drink.
Larry
imatations
On May 18, 2014, at 9:16 PM, Stefan Schlick <greenfant@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> Townsend's Warbler does NOT breed in the OR Coast Range, so all high
> elevation "dendroica" (now "setophaga") are Hermits. The OR Cascades host
> both. I've always wondered why there are no reports of hybrid Hermit warblers
> from Oregon. [Btw, Heto warbler refers to Hermit x Townsend's Warbler
> hybrids]. Partly, this has to do with that it's just not on the Oregon
> birder's radar to look for appropriate field marks.
>
> These birds do come through Oregon, but there may not be a hybridization zone
> in OR. There are 2 hybridization zones in WA state, one in the southern
> Cascades near Packwood, the other in the SE Olympics.
>
> In terms of song, one should not rely on songs with respect to hybrids. I've
> personally heard a classic Hermit song, yet when I got a glimpse, it was an
> obvious hybrid. I have heard tweener songs in both Mason and Jefferson County
> in WA state, where the bird ended up being the expected hybrid. I've also
> seen pure Hermit in both counties.
>
> So, please inspect your local Hermits for aspects of hybridization. The 3
> best field marks are:
>
> -Yellow on the breast: A Hermit with yellow on the breast is not pure
> -Black streaking on the flanks: Should be very limited to nil on Hermit
> -Back color: Gray on Hermit, green on Townsend's
>
> Stefan Schlick
> Hillsboro, OR
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