Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2019-40
| Common name: |
McCown's Longspur |
| Scientific name: | Rhynchophanes mccownii |
| Date: | 11-28-2019 |
| Time: | 11:25 am |
| Length of time observed: | 10 minutes (observed twice) |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | Unknown |
| Sex: | Male |
| Location: | West of Reese, Utah |
| County: | Weber |
| Latilong: | (41.2538307, -112.2055957) |
| Elevation: | 4145 |
| Distance to bird: | ~20 |
| Optical equipment: | Opticall_Equipment: Pentax and Nikon binoculars, canon and Nikon cameras. |
| Weather: | Weather: Snow |
| Light Conditions: | Flat light |
| Description: Size of bird: | ~6 |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Sparrow |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | Light Brown |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | Sparrow-like |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Stubby tail, Inverted black T pattern against mostly white tail was the first
field mark that was noticed while bird flew directly away. The rusty median
coverts were then observed to make sure it wasn t any other type of Longspur.
Observed feeding with Horned Larks, flushing often. Grayish primaries with short
primary projection. Belly and breast were mostly white with a dark gray wash to
flanks and a warm Buffy coloration to upper breast. Pink legs and bill.
Auricular pattern very muted in comparison to other longspur species without any
noticeable border. (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | None given. |
| Behavior: | Feeding with HOLA along exposed asphalt after snow storm. |
| Habitat: | Open grassland/playa currently covered in snow. |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Rust colored median coverts and inverted T pattern of tail are diagnostic for this species. Chestnut-collared, Smith s, and Lapland Longspurs don t have the rusty median coverts. Smith s and Lapland have more of a wedge pattern to their tails with little white at the edges. Chestnut-collared have less white with more of a triangle black pattern to the tail. Bill heavier at the base and larger overall than other longspurs. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
Have had extensive experience with Wintering Lapland Longspurs in Utah as well as breeding individuals in Alaska. McCown s Longspurs I ve observed in non breeding plumage in Utah. I ve yet to observe Chestnut-collared or Smith s Longspurs. |
| References consulted: | Memory, Sibley s. |
| Description from: | Notes taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | Mike Hearell |
| Observer's address: | Pleasant View, Utah |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | Taylor Abbott |
| Date prepared: | 11-28-2019 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional comments: |