Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2006-12(R82)
(Transcribed by M. G. Moody)
| Common name: |
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher |
| Scientific name: | Tyrannus forficatus |
| Date: | 06/06/82 |
| Time: | 10:00 DST |
| Length of time observed: | 1 min |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | Adult (basic plumage) |
| Sex: | Unknown |
| Location: | Utah Highway 60 (east side) west of Utah Lake (approx. mile post 25) |
| County: | Utah |
| Latilong: | |
| Elevation: | |
| Distance to bird: | Approx. 25 meters |
| Optical equipment: | None (except my eyes) |
| Weather: |
Clear, wind calm, T (approx.) 15º C Prior weather & number of days since change: A cold front had passed through Utah the previous day bringing clouds & cool weather. |
| Light Conditions: | Bright sun - overhead & to the right |
| Description: Size of bird: | Approx. 35-40 cm long, probably 2/3 of it, tail. |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | dark, about 2 cm long, thick but pointed |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Color: Head & back were pale gray, breast & belly were white, tip of
shoulder was dark salmon pink, flanks were pale salmon pink wings & tail were
black. Unique features: Pale gray color, pink at shoulder & flanks, length of tail Field marks which were not seen. Why not? About half of the length of the tail was obscured by grease wood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus) Variations from expected field marks: none |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | None |
| Behavior: | The bird was perched on a barbed wire strand of a fence on the east side of the highway & facing in toward the field. Western Kingbirds & swallows (barn & cliff) were close by but there was no apparent interaction. |
| Habitat: | Alfalfa field enclosed by fence & surrounded by greasewood which gradually gave way to sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Western Kingbirds were also present but their ventral areas were yellow, their dorsal areas dark gray to brown. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
1st time with this species. Extensive experience with Western Kingbirds |
| References consulted: | |
| Description from: | Notes made at time of sighting |
| Observer: | A. R. Johnson |
| Observer's address: | 1812 Alder, Richland, WA 99352 (509) 943-6176 |
| Observer's e-mail address: | |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | Susan Johnson (at same address) |
| Date prepared: | 08/25/82 |
| Additional material: | |
| Additional comments: |