Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2016-48a
| Common name: |
Rusty Blackbird |
| Scientific name: | Euphagus carolinas |
| Date: | 12/12/2016 |
| Time: | 2:45 PM |
| Length of time observed: | ~15 minutes |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | Unknown |
| Sex: | Female |
| Location: | Buffalo Ranches Trail/Haight Creek |
| County: | |
| Latilong: | |
| Elevation: | 4209' |
| Distance to bird: | 65 yards |
| Optical equipment: | Pentax 10x50 binos & Canon sx50 hs camera |
| Weather: | Clear |
| Light Conditions: | Sunny |
| Description: Size of bird: | ~8.5" |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Blackbird? |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | Dark, brown & black |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | Medium, pointed |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Blackbird with yellow eye, light brown eyebrows, "rusty" crown, back, and
scapulars. (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | Audio wil be sent to webmaster of soft song being sung from a tree. Call was a "chock", not the "tink" or "chick" of a RWBL. |
| Behavior: | Perched on fence, singing in tree, foraging in flooded fields |
| Habitat: | Marsh edge, flooded pasture |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
The yellow Iris eliminates YHBL & RWBL. The rusty
crown, wings, and back eliminates any other possibilities. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
Previously observed in IL, AK, & UT |
| References consulted: | Memory. |
| Description from: | Notes taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | Mike Hearell |
| Observer's address: | 255 W 2700 N, Pleasant View |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | Bryant Olsen, Vivian S, Lauri T, Taylor Abbott |
| Date prepared: | 12/12/2016 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional comments: |