Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah

Rec. # 2018-12


Common name:

Varied Bunting

Scientific name: Passerina versicolor
Date: 05/16/2017
Time: 12:10 PM
Length of time observed: 15-20 seconds
Number: 1
Age: Adult
Sex: Male
Location: Fort Pearce Wash
County: Washington
Latilong: 37.007042, -113.411422
Elevation: 2947'
Distance to bird: Approximately 20'
Optical equipment: 10x Binoculars
Weather: Clear
Light Conditions: Sunny, some shadows on the bird from the foliage
Description:        Size of bird: Small
(Description:)       Basic Shape: passerine
(Description:)  Overall Pattern: dark, bluish, blotchy appearance
(Description:)            Bill Type: conical, curved culmen
(Description:)                              
Field Marks and
Identifying Characteristics:
Dark overall, dark blue/reddish tones, back of head and nape were red, dark lores, blue rump. Tail was medium in length.
Song or call & method of delivery: None
Behavior: Typical perching behavior.
Habitat: Desert riparian.
Similar species and how
were they eliminated:
As I have considered all possible similar species, none have a red nape and blue rump that I know of. Also, the blotchy, red/blue tones that were not well defined are characteristic of a Varied Bunting.
Previous experience with
this & similar species:
I have birded SE Arizona extensively and have seen several Varied Buntings, and I have taken photographs.
References consulted: Sibley Guide.
Description from: Notes taken at the time of the sighting
Observer: Maurice DeMille
Observer's address: 260 N MAIN ST, LA VERKIN, UT
Observer's e-mail address: **
Other observers who independently identified this bird: None
Date prepared: 04/02/2018
Additional material:  
Additional comments: When I saw the bird I immediately identified the red nape and blue rump. My initial impression was that this was definitely a Varied Bunting. Because of the short view- only 15-20 seconds, and the fact that I was not able to get a photo, I decided I was 99% sure that this was a Varied Bunting, but not 100%. Because I was not 100% sure I did not report it to you or on eBird. Other birders, including our regional eBird reviewer, said I should submit the observation to you and let the committee decide.