Nashville Warbler (Vermivora ruficapilla)
 
Status in the Checklist Area - Uncommon*
     
 
Information

In the Upper Fraser Valley, this warbler generally increases in numbers during migration from west to east. Around Abbotsford and Chilliwack they are more rare than in Agassiz and Hope as an example. Rare in the Upper Fraser Valley in the summer. However, they almost approach a 'fairly common' status in the northeastern section of the checklist area especially around Boston Bar where they breed. Breeding has also been documented in the Skagit Valley and along the Coquihalla Highway not far out of Hope. Migratory, spends the winter from Mexico to Central America. This species of warbler is not well studied.

Similar species:
Bright adults in breeding plumage usually fairly distinctive. The red in the crown not always visible. Fall warblers are challenging with juvenile and non-breeding plumaged warblers the norm. Dull adults and juveniles are worth considering against their dull counterparts including Yellow Warbler, MacGillvray's Warbler and Orange-crowned Warblers. Note the yellow throat on the Nashville Warbler that contrasts with the face. The white eye-ring is complete.

Best viewing locations:
A trip to Boston Bar will yield several sightings especially during the early summer when males are singing and quite visible. Increasing records from the Hope area eastwards as well as breeding activity in Harrison.. During spring and fall migration, try warbler hotspots such as Maria Slough in Agassiz, Island 22 Regional Park in Chilliwack and Cheam Lake Regional Park near Bridal Falls.

Sources:
Ehrlich, Dobkin and Wheye, (1988)

     
Noteworthy Data
 
Date
Location
Source(s)
Comments
June 2013 Bear Mountain, Harrison G. Gadsden 2013 Male on territory through the summer.
April 30, 2013 Cutler Road, Agassiz J. Osterhold 2013
G. Monty
Seven individuals
May 12, 2012 Bear Mountain, Harrison D. Beeke 2012c Eight individuals recorded on a hike.
June 4, 2011 Bear Mountain, Harrison D. Beeke 2011 Breeding record of an adult carrying food.
April 19, 2010 Bear Mountain, Harrison K. Jones 2010g Observed at the base of the mountain. Male singing regularly. Earliest record for the species in the checklist area.
September 24, 2008 Island 22, Chilliwack G. Gadsden 2008k A juvenile photographed on the same day Tennessee Warblers were recorded. Latest record for Nashville Warbler in the checklist area.
April 27, 2008 Ryder Lake, Chilliwack J. Osterhold 2008a Two birds in a large mixed flock.
July 11, 2003 Skagit Valley Provincial Park G. Gadsden 2003 Two newly fledged juveniles being fed by an adult.
 
Photographs
           
                 
                   
                   
                   
       
       
 
Audio and Video    
None available
 

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