ILLINOIS AUDUBON BULLETIN 27 
BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER IN ILLINOIS 
by H. DAVID BOHLEN 
While taking a “Big Day” in central Illinois on 3 May 1975, Richard Sandburg and | 
discovered a Black-throated Gray Warbler (Dendroica nigrescens). \It was feeding at 
mid-height in deciduous woods at Carpenter Park near Springfield, Illinois. Since there were 
many early warblers that day, | almost passed this bird off as a Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) 
Warbler because of the gray back and black through the eye. However, | then noticed the 
yellow spot on the lores; and the identity of the bird became very apparent. 
Richard and | examined the bird for seven minutes (0923-0930). The following descrip- 
tion was taken of the bird: a warbler with a black throat and cap, and black auricular patch 
with a broad white eyeline from the lores to the back of the head; white between the throat 
patch and auricular patch and a distinct yellow spot on the lores; back, gray and unmarked; 
two white wing-bars and whitish outer tail feathers; ventral surface mostly clear white except 
for three rows of black streaks on the sides; bill and tarsi dark. Occasionally the bird would 
wag its tail and it caught insects on the wing. It was associated with two or three Palm 
Warblers, a Northern Parula, and a Nashville Warbler. The western warbler was chased 
several times by the Palm Warblers. 
The sky was overcast but since we observed this warbler from as close as 40 feet, the 
light wasn’t a problem. Knowing there were other observers in the area, we attempted to get 
them to see the bird (one of them had a camera); however, the bird soon disappeared and, 
even though we searched intently for over an hour, we could not relocate it. The Black- 
throated Gray Warbler is a common warbler in western North America and has been reported 
in the east several times. Both observers are familiar with the warbler, having seen it many 
times in California and Arizona. There are two other records, both without adequate 
descriptions though they are probably correct. A male was observed at Lincoln Park, 
Chicago, 24 April 1946, by H. Bennett. Another male was seen at Winnetka, 9 October 1968, 
by Mrs. T. K. Boyd. [Another individual was reported from Champaign, 6 Sept. 1975 — see 
FIELD NOTES, this issue; Editor.] 
—lllinois State Museum 
Springfield, Ill. 62706 
No person was ever honored for what he received; honor has been the reward for 
what he gave. 
—Calvin Coolidge 
