Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2018-22
| Common name: |
Vaux's Swift |
| Scientific name: | Chaetura vauxi |
| Date: | 5/12/2018 |
| Time: | 7:06 pm |
| Length of time observed: | 3 seconds |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | Unknown |
| Sex: | Unknown |
| Location: | I-215 north near exit 4 |
| County: | Salt Lake |
| Latilong: | |
| Elevation: | |
| Distance to bird: | 50 ft |
| Optical equipment: | None |
| Weather: | Sunny |
| Light Conditions: | Clear |
| Description: Size of bird: | Finch-sized, about 6 in. |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Cigar-shaped with curved, pointed wings |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | Overall chocolate brown |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | Tiny, barely visible |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Small, all brown bird with rounded head and square tail. Wings were long, curved and pointed. Flew with a bat-like flutter. |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | |
| Behavior: | In flight, wing-beats fluttered and bat-like |
| Habitat: | Mountain foothills |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Swallows eliminated by wing shape and flight pattern. White-throated Swift eliminated by size, square tail, and lack of white belly. Black Swift eliminated by size, wing length, tail shape, and color. Chimney Swift eliminated by range. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
Familiar to swifts by seeing three other species. Recognized the shape and flight pattern of a small swift |
| References consulted: | Field guides and identification apps. |
| Description from: | From memory |
| Observer: | Ian Batterman |
| Observer's address: | 8538 S Harvard Park Dr |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | |
| Date prepared: | 5/17/18 |
| Additional material: | |
| Additional comments: |