Hermit Warbler

Hermit ThrushBy Roger Lanse

A lone male hermit warbler was reported at an Arenas Valley address Thursday, Apr. 24, 2025, at about 8:30 a.m. The bird was in some dead branches near the ground but above a small pond of water and only stayed in the birder's view a few seconds before flying away not to be seen again.

This bird with bright golden head is listed as 'rare' in the Southwest Birding Trail warbler checklist. Hermit warblers are also listed as 'uncommon' and 'transient' in the Gila National Forest bird checklist.

Most sightings of hermit warblers (Setophaga occidentalis) in New Mexico have occurred during their fall migration back to Mexico and Central America. according to the Audubon Field Guide, which also states their spring northern migration route commonly occurs along the Pacific Coast from the Bay area through Oregon and Washington.

The second 'hermit', a hermit thrush (Catharus guttatis), with its rusty-colored tail contrasting with an olivaceous back, was noted a few days later on Saturday, May 3, in the same location as the hermit warbler and was similarly eager to leave.

According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, migrating hermit thrushes rarely visit residential yards or feeders, so it was a surprise to see it in the front yard of this Arenas Valley address.

This thrush is listed in the GNF bird checklist as a fairly common summer resident.

Hermit warbler by Ian Davies – Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Macauley Library.

Hermit thrush by Mark Chavez – Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Macauley Library