Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2018-28
| Common name: |
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher |
| Scientific name: | Tyrannus forficatus |
| Date: | 6/9/18 |
| Time: | 8:10pm |
| Length of time observed: | Approx. 30 seconds |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | Adult |
| Sex: | Not sure, but probable female |
| Location: | Fence post adjacent to agricultural field in Richfield, UT along Rt. 118 |
| County: | Sevier |
| Latilong: | 38°'38.7"N 112°'52.8"W |
| Elevation: | Approximately 5285 |
| Distance to bird: | Approx. 50 |
| Optical equipment: | Bushnell 10x42 binoculars |
| Weather: | Around 80 degrees, sunny |
| Light Conditions: | Sun was low behind me, shining on the bird |
| Description: Size of bird: | Similar to robin |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Flycatcher shape; short, thick neck, wings folded back, tail held out, not drooping |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | Light gray body, dark wings and tail,salmon flanks, dark eyeline |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | Medium length, if rotated would extend past eye but not to back of head. Thicker bill. Black with slight curve to top. |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
The tail was longer than the rest of the body, but not extreme, suggesting female. The dark tail came to two points at the terminus. Tail was held out behind the body, approximately 60-70 degree angle from the ground. Salmon color on the flank was what first caught my attention. Head, neck and back light gray, dark eye line evident, extending from bill to just behind eye. It s posture was similar to Western Kingbird, erect with tail extending behind, not down. Wings and tail very dark. I did not see the belly. |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | NA |
| Behavior: | The bird just sat on the post, not moving. I did not see it fly. |
| Habitat: | Agricultural fields on all sides, scattered cottonwoods near the residences and nearby marshy areas. Very arid. |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
My first impression was Western Kingbird due to posture and eyeline, but larger and the coloring was different. Salmon flanks instead of yellow, lighter gray head, and the tail was way too long to be a Western Kingbird. I also had seen a Cassin s Kingbird nearby, but the plumage was significantly lighter than that, and the tail was too long. A Say s Phoebe has similar flank color, but the light color of this bird and longer tail ruled out SAPH. It was significantly larger and longer-tailed than a Vermilion Flycatcher female. In relation to Fork-tailed Flycatcher, this tail was held almost horizontally; it did not drape like the FTFL. Also, this bird lacked the dark crown of the FTFL. This is my first time seeing a STFL. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
I see Western and Cassin s Kingbirds almost daily, as well as Say s Phoebes. I became familiar with FTFL in Peru as they were everywhere, and I ve had multiple encounters with VEFL in California and Arizona. |
| References consulted: | Sibley Birds West, Peterson Field Guide, allaboutbirds.org, Audubon website |
| Description from: | Notes made later |
| Observer: | Kiandra Haaf |
| Observer's address: | 5600 Orangethorpe Ave Apt 5600 La Palma, CA 90623 |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | NA |
| Date prepared: | 6/11/18 |
| Additional material: | |
| Additional comments: |