Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2018-02
| Common name: |
Chestnut-collared Longspur |
| Scientific name: | Calcarius ornatus |
| Date: | 12/22/2017 |
| Time: | 10:00 a.m. |
| Length of time observed: | 10 seconds |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | |
| Sex: | |
| Location: | near Willard Bay 41.311175,-112.200599 |
| County: | Weber |
| Latilong: | |
| Elevation: | |
| Distance to bird: | 15 yards |
| Optical equipment: | Camera and binoculars |
| Weather: | clear and sunny, 20* |
| Light Conditions: | sunny |
| Description: Size of bird: | 6" |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | sparrow like |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | brown |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Longsur, not a Lapland since there is no streaking, not a McCown's because of
the wing bars and the extra black in the tail. Smith's have limited white in the
tail so that doesn't fit either. Tail pattern seen very well and clearly. Compared to McCowns Longspur the tail looked black with large crescent shaped outer white patches instead of a white tail with a black lower border and dark medial stripe. Heard and seen with Laplands and Horned Larks. Tail pattern noticed best when it jumped and moved, fanning its tail. I missed the best photo opp when I couldn't find it in my camera before they flew off but I managed one poor yet diagnostic photo of it in flight. (see photo) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | |
| Behavior: | |
| Habitat: | Feeding on pickle weed with other Longspurs. |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Not a Lapland since there is no streaking, not a McCown's because of the wing bars and the extra black in the tail. Smith's have limited white in the tail so that doesn't fit either. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
I have seen McCowns and Lapland on a few occasions. |
| References consulted: | Sibley and Macaulay Library |
| Description from: | From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | Matthew Pendleton |
| Observer's address: | 12043 Bluff View Dr. Sandy Ut. 84092 |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | |
| Date prepared: | 1/4/2018 |
| Additional material: | Photo |
| Additional comments: | ebird checklist http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S41251842 |