Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah

Rec. # 2018-72


Common name:

Eastern Bluebird

Scientific name: Sialia Sialis
Date: December 11, 2018
Time: 3:10 p.m.
Length of time observed: 30-40 minutes
Number: One
Age: Adult
Sex: Male
Location: North of 7800 South along the Jordan River Parkway.
County: Salt Lake
Latilong: 40.613191,-111.921109
Elevation: Approximately 4,300 feet
Distance to bird: 15 feet at the closest
Optical equipment: Binoculars
Weather: Gray skies and murky air quality due to the current inversion. Temperature around 30 degrees with no precipitation.
Light Conditions: Challenging, but the bird came close enough to provide good views.
Description:        Size of bird: Smaller than the nearby American Robins
(Description:)       Basic Shape: Small stocky thrush
(Description:)  Overall Pattern: Blue, rust and white
(Description:)            Bill Type:  Short and straight
(Description:)                              
Field Marks and
Identifying Characteristics:
All blue above. Rust on the throat, sides of neck, breast and flanks. White belly and undertail coverts.
(see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery: None heard
Behavior: First seen perched on a wire near the Trax line. The bird relocated each time a train rolled through, but stayed within a 50 foot radius. Flew back and forth from the wires to a stand of trees between the tracks and the river. Perched at mid to upper level and occasionally plucked berries. Harassed at times by the nearby robins.
Habitat: Riparian corridor along the Jordan River.
Similar species and how
were they eliminated:
Mountain Bluebird - Adult males are a softer overall blue and lack rufous coloring.

Western Bluebird - Adult males have a blue throat and the rust color of the breast extends onto the upper back.

Lazuli Bunting - Included as an elimination species because superficially it has a similar color pattern; however, it is noticeably smaller and has white wingbars among other differences.
Previous experience with
this & similar species:
Not a great deal of field experience with Eastern Bluebirds although I have seen some in the eastern United States and the pair reported by Bryant Olsen on 1-1-17 along the Jordan River. Have seen many Mountain Bluebirds and Lazuli Buntings, but again limited field experience with Western Bluebirds.
References consulted: Sibley Birds, Second Edition
Description from: Notes taken at the time of the sighting
From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting
Observer: Pomera M. Fronce
Observer's address: 1338 Old Maple Court
Observer's e-mail address: **
Other observers who independently identified this bird:  
Date prepared: December 11, 2018
Additional material:

Photos

Additional comments: Thanks to Matt Pendleton for the use of his fine photo since mine are just slightly better than deplorable.