Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah

Rec. # 2018-67


Common name:

Rusty Blackbird

Scientific name: Euphagus carolinus
Date: 11-13-2018
Time: 4:26pm
Length of time observed: 3 Minutes
Number: 1
Age: ?
Sex: Female
Location: Bountiful; Pond
County: Davis
Latilong: N. 40.911039, -111.927744
Elevation: 4200ft
Distance to bird: 3m
Optical equipment: 10x42 Binos, Canon SX60 Digital Camera
Weather: Mostly sunny, 45F
Light Conditions: Backlighting was a challenge
Description:        Size of bird: 9 inches
(Description:)       Basic Shape: Typical Blackbird
(Description:)  Overall Pattern: overall mostly brown, some sooty brown on tail and wings
(Description:)            Bill Type: Long,slightly decurved and black
(Description:)                              
Field Marks and
Identifying Characteristics:
As I was walking back to the car along the canal, I noted a small flock of Blackbirds perched in the top of a nearby Russian Olive. I gave them a quick scan with the binos and noted a female type blackbird that had yellow eyes. It was getting late and the sun was very low so the birds were horribly backlit, so I couldn't see any rufous color in the bird, so I toke a few photos and intentionally over exposed them to make any color pop. I then took some photos of some nearby female Brewer's blackbirds that had brown eyes in the same exposure to compare with the yellow eyed blackbird. Upon examining the photos, the rusty color on the back, breast and crown was evident. Shortly after I took the photos the whole flocks spooked and I was unable to relocate the Rusty. This is the exact same location that Kris Pury found a female Rusty Blackbird last winter, and I observed that bird in the exact same tree in February.
(see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery: None heard from the subject bird, other Blackbirds nearby did some chuck calls
Behavior: Perched in the top of a Russian Olive in a mixed Blackbird flock
Habitat: Freshwater wetland complex
Similar species and how
were they eliminated:
Brewer's Blackbird is most similar, but females never have any rust unlike the subject bird. Most females usually have a dark iris. Males are mostly glossy black, but some can have a touch of rust in the crown in wither, but always have a glossy black back

Red-winged can have extensive rust too, but are much more streaky and always have a dark iris

Brown-headed Cowbird females are superficially similar, but also have a dark eye, stouter bill, and duller tan color

Great-tailed and Common Grackle females are superficially similar, but much larger with a much longer tails
Previous experience with
this & similar species:
Yes, my 5th in Utah
References consulted: Macaulay Library
Description from: From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting
Observer: Bryant Olsen
Observer's address: 84102
Observer's e-mail address: **
Other observers who independently identified this bird: None that I know of recently, many saw the Rusty at this location last winter
Date prepared: 11-14-18
Additional material: Photos
Additional comments: eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S49921531