Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2007-28
| Common name: |
Bronzed Cowbird |
| Scientific name: | Molothrus aeneus |
| Date: | 7-2-07 |
| Time: | 6:00 PM |
| Length of time observed: | On and off for 30 minutes |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | Adult |
| Sex: | Female |
| Location: | 131 N Butch Cassidy Trl in Central |
| County: | Washington |
| Latilong: | |
| Elevation: | 5500 FT |
| Distance to bird: | 30 feet |
| Optical equipment: | 10x42 B&L Elites 20x60 zoom Zeiss scope |
| Weather: | Clear skies |
| Light Conditions: | Good |
| Description: Size of bird: | Medium size |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Stocky |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | Brown gray |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | Large seed eater bill |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Brownish gray overall. Wings and back darker then the underparts. Stocky looking
seed eater with large dark conical bill and somewhat flat looking crown.
Prominent red iris really stood out on bird. The tail did look relatively short
on the bird compared to the Brown-headed Cowbirds that were also present. (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | |
| Behavior: | Feeding on seeds with the rest of the birds in the yard. |
| Habitat: | Pinion Juniper habitat. |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
The easily seen red iris. Plus the shape, color and size of the bill made it difficult to mistake it for any other cowbird or bird. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
I have seen them a couple other times in Utah and many times in California and Arizona. |
| References consulted: | |
| Description from: | Notes made later |
| Observer: | Larry Tripp |
| Observer's address: | 131 N Butch Cassidy Trl Central, UT. 84722 |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ltripp29@hotmail.com |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | |
| Date prepared: | 10-7-07 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional Comments: | The bird was also present the next morning 7-3-07 |