Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Neotropic Cormorant
Scientific name:	Phalacrocorax brasilianus
Date:	25 Apr 2010
Time:	1:49 PM
Length of time observed:	44 minutes
Number:	2
Age:	First year?
Sex:
Location:	Sandy Fishing Pond
County:	Salt Lake
Latilong:
Elevation:
Distance to bird:	Estimated 20 yards
Optical equipment:	Nikon 20x spotting scope, Nikon 10x42 Monarch ATB binoculars, Nikon D80 with 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR lens.
Weather:	Sunny, breezy.
Light Conditions:	Direct overhead light.
Description: Size of bird:	Noticeably smaller than a Double-crested Cormorant
(Description:) Basic Shape:	Cormorant shape
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	Dark brown to blackish
(Description:) Bill Type:	Cormorant bill
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	Please see "Similar species," below. (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:	None.
Behavior:	Resting and occasionally preening on a small island in the pond. Did not leave this position in the 44 minutes of observation.
Habitat:	A small pond along the Jordan River that has been stocked with trout.
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	The only other cormorant that is likely in this area is the very common Double-crested Cormorant, but all species of cormorants can be eliminated by a combination of features. Size: Small for a cormorant, visibly smaller than Double-crested Cormorants. Size alone eliminates all other North American cormorants. Proportions: Very long-tailed, with the tail almost equalling the length of head and neck, especially while the neck was in the relaxed position (i.e. not outstretched). Color pattern: Overall dark brownish; not yet in black breeding plumage, but a pale border to the gape could be discerned. No pale flank patches. Lores: Brown and feathered, indicating Neotropic Cormorant, not yellow and bare as in young Double-crested Cormorants. Bill color: Orange at base, blending through brown to gray at the tip. Not black, which also helps eliminate several species such as Pelagic Cormorant and Brandt's Cormorant. Gape: Pointed, helping to further eliminate Double-crested. Scapulars and coverts: Pointed, helping to further eliminate Double-crested and supporting Neotropic.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	This is my first observation of Neotropic Cormorants. I have seen hundreds or thousands of Double-crested Cormorants throughout North America, plus dozens to hundreds of Pelagic and Brandt's Cormorants in California, Oregon, and Washington.
References consulted:	None at the time of observation. Sibley Guide to Birds was consulted in the write-up.
Description from:	Notes taken at time of sighting
Observer:	Ryan P. O'Donnell
Observer's address:	1098 Crescent Dr
Observer's e-mail address:	Ryan.ODonnell@usu.edu
Other observers who independently identified this bird:	Leah Waldner and Craig Fosdick observed the birds with me in the field. Others had previously seen and reported these birds on the Utah Birdtalk/Birdnet listserve, which prompted our visit.
Date prepared:	27 Apr 2010
Additional material:	Photos
Additional_Comments: