Black-throated Grey Warbler vs Townsend's Warbler

In short

The Black-throated Gray Warbler and Townsend's Warbler are both small, strikingly patterned warblers. Key differences include the facial pattern and throat color. The Black-throated Gray Warbler has a distinctive black throat and a white supercilium, while the Townsend's Warbler features a yellow face with a black eye patch.

Identification tips

• Look for the black throat in Black-throated Gray Warbler versus the yellow face with black eye patch in Townsend's Warbler.
• Note the white supercilium in Black-throated Gray Warbler.
• Observe the yellow breast and flanks in Townsend's Warbler.
• Listen for differences in song if visual identification is challenging.

Size

Both species are similar in size, typical of small New World warblers.

Plumage

The Black-throated Gray Warbler has a black throat and cheek with a white supercilium and gray back. The Townsend's Warbler displays a yellow face with a prominent black eye patch and a black throat, with more extensive yellow on the breast and flanks.

Behaviour

Both species forage actively in the canopy, often in mixed-species flocks, showing similar behavior.

Habitat

Both species are found in coniferous forests, but Townsend's Warbler may also be seen in mixed forests during migration.

Voice

Their songs and calls are similar, but Townsend's Warbler's song is generally more musical. Field experience is often needed to distinguish them by sound.