Black-throated Gray Warbler
Learn to identify the Black-throated Gray Warbler by ear. Master the "buzzing "zeedle zeedle zeet-chee"" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.
What the Black-throated Gray Warbler sounds like
Short-distance migratory warbler of western pine forests. Males have bold black, white, and gray pattern with a tiny yellow spot above the lore. Females are duller gray-brown with streaks but also show the yellow spot. Forages methodically at mid-levels, often in pairs or small flocks.
“buzzing "zeedle zeedle zeet-chee"”
How to tell it apart
Where you'll hear it
Breeds in semi-arid open woodlands (pine, oak, juniper) in the West. During migration and winter uses similar woodland and scrub habitats in Mexico.
Arrives early spring in breeding areas; vocal in spring and summer. Migrates south by fall; rare individuals may stray to eastern US in autumn.
Similar species
Black-and-white Warbler
Creeps on trunks; lacks yellow spot, has streaked crown and a white stripe below eye instead of yellow spot.
Blackpoll Warbler (male)
Breeding Blackpoll has black cap and white cheeks, and greenish back, unlike gray back and yellow lore of BT Gray.
Townsend's Warbler (female)
Female Townsend's has yellow in face and breast with greenish back, lacking the stark black-white contrast and yellow lore spot of BT Gray.