Yellow warbler or Prairie? Connecticut, USA (1 Viewer)

[Barbie Heid]

Hello all! I'm stuck on an ID. This little guy/girl was flitting about (flew like a finch) in short, dense scrub on the banks of a fresh-water lake in coastal Connecticut. It was a little smaller than a sparrow, and I couldn't narrow down a call as there were other birds around. I should note it was in the company of a bird the same size but completely light gray. I think it's a yellow warbler or a juvenile Prairie warbler, but I'm confused, especially by the feet (aren't juvenile's feet usually pink?). Thanks!

 

[njlarsen]

Yellow warbler truly is yellow including for example the underside of the tail - contra your bird.
Niels

 

[KC Foggin]

It sure is a beautiful capture but I can't lean on Prairie or Yellow Warbler. Not sure what it is.

 

[njlarsen]

With that tail and a yellow undertail covert area it has to be an eastern palm warbler I think.
Niels

 

[Indobirder]

Agree with Palm Warbler

 

[KC Foggin]

After a Google search I think I agree with Neils.

 

[Barbie Heid]

After a Google search I think I agree with Neils.

Thank you, all! Looks like you nailed it - I Googled yellow birds of my area and this one didn't even show up, which doesn't make much sense to me. Thanks again!

 

[njlarsen]

Thank you, all! Looks like you nailed it - I Googled yellow birds of my area and this one didn't even show up, which doesn't make much sense to me. Thanks again!

Have you ever tried the Merlin app from Cornell?
Niels

 

[Butty]

I Googled yellow birds of my area

Sadly, this is not a way to identify birds - it will lead to all sorts of problematic conclusions. Even less is it a way to learn how to identify birds. You need a field guide - preferably a book, but even an app such as Merlin would be far better than Google.

 

[Barbie Heid]

Sadly, this is not a way to identify birds - it will lead to all sorts of problematic conclusions. Even less is it a way to learn how to identify birds. You need a field guide - preferably a book, but even an app such as Merlin would be far better than Google.

Yes, you're right: too confusing and more often than not inaccurate. I'm using Peterson's Eastern edition field guide, and to me, that's equally as confusing. With it, you have to have a basic idea of what type/family it's in and I don't. What I do find a little useful is an app called BirdNet, a call identifier. That way I can look in the field guide, as I do have at least a ballpark idea. Not always foolproof, though: it identified my cat as a Canadian Goose! 🤣 Thanks!

 

[Barbie Heid]

Have you ever tried the Merlin app from Cornell?
Niels

No, but I will - thanks!