Nashville Warbler- Oreothlypis ruficapilla. 11x15" colored pencil on bristol.

I’ve started a study of Warblers. I am seeing quite a few in the field, as we are in the full swing of spring migration. The warblers are a large group of birds. I feel an appropriate way to make sure I learn the ins and outs of these birds is to not only actively search them out, but illustrate them and really study each species. The first time I saw the Nashville Warbler, I thought it might be a MacGillivray’s. After seeing it a few more times, and really spending some time in my guidebook, I learned the difference. The red crown of the Nashville males is often hidden. I have only seen it once so far. The most helpful tip to quickly separate the Nashville from the MacGillivray’s is the throat. Nashville is yellow, MacGillivray’s is grey. There are other factors separating the two, but I feel that the throat is the most helpful tip. I have still not seen the MacGillivray’s, but I will and when I do, I will illustrate it as well.