Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2011-03
| Common name: |
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker |
| Scientific name: | Sphyrapicus varius |
| Date: | August 2009 |
| Time: | Afternoon |
| Length of time observed: | 15 to 30 minutes |
| Number: | 2 |
| Age: | ? |
| Sex: | Male |
| Location: | Oakley, up Weber Rd., just below Smith and Morehouse Reservoir |
| County: | Summit |
| Latilong: | |
| Elevation: | >5000 ft. |
| Distance to bird: | Approx. a hundred feet |
| Optical equipment: | 10 x 25 Binoculars, camera, 70-300 mm zoom lens |
| Weather: | Warm with clear skies |
| Light Conditions: | Sunny |
| Description: Size of bird: | About 8 inches |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | Red/White/Black head and Throat, black/white back and tail, chest pale |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | Slender Pointed |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Red crown and throat, black/white stripes to side and back of head, light belly,
black with white bars and spotted wings, more white then black flex spots on
back and tail, light under tail... (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | None heard |
| Behavior: |
Drumming on metal fascia of roof then look quickly around and start again. 2 Seen on opposite sides of a wood pole only long enough to take a picture.. |
| Habitat: | Seen in an area surrounded by forest, pine, aspen, mixed trees and bushes. |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Red-napped Sapsucker, red crown extends to back of head unlike the yellow bellied. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
Most every summer in the same place. |
| References consulted: | Utahbirds.org, all about birds cornell lab, Audubon book. |
| Description from: | From memory |
| Observer: | Lisa Lea |
| Observer's address: | |
| Observer's e-mail address: | lizerlis@msn.com |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | None |
| Date prepared: | 1/12/11 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional_Comments: |