Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	McCown's Longspur
Scientific name:	Rynchophanes mccownii
Date:	12/01/2019
Time:	11:30 AM
Length of time observed:	2 hours (off and on)
Number:	3 (possibly more)
Age:
Sex:
Location:	Enterprise
County:	Washington & Iron
Latilong:	37.60477, -113.68268 (approx)
Elevation:
Distance to bird:	10 to 30 yards
Optical equipment:	8x42 binoculars and 500 mm camera lens
Weather:	Clear, cold
Light Conditions:	Mostly decent, dealt with some glare
Description: Size of bird:
(Description:) Basic Shape:	Stalky, sparrow-like
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	Brown back, pale underside
(Description:) Bill Type:	Conical
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	Observation Details: While driving the County Line Road in Enterprise (the road that splits Washington and Iron Counties) we initially noticed at least 2 unknown birds mixed in with flocks of horned larks. These birds were foraging on the road with the larks and were also seen eating the seeds of some type of mustard growing next to the road. These birds were significantly more skittish than the horned larks and would flush much more quickly when approached, but they would seemingly always return near the roadway. After driving slowly back and forth on this road we determined that there were likely at least 3 individuals, even though we never observed more than two together at once. There is clear variation among the birds that I photographed (especially shape/boldness of black breast patch). These birds were mainly observed on the road or on the Washington County (south) side of the road, but we also observed at least one bird fly onto the Iron County (north) side of the road. Description: Stocky, sparrow-like birds with a short tail. Each had a pale supercillium, malar, and throat, and a brownish crown and auriculars. The nape appeared to be a pale brownish-gray. Pale underside overall, with a dark breast patch (on at least two of the individuals - likely males). At least one or two of the individuals exhibited some dark streaking on the flanks. The bill was conical and medium-large (seemingly not as large as some photos of this species that I found online). These birds had very streaky backs, and at least two had a prominent chestnut wing patch (on median coverts). In flight, the extensively white tail was obvious, with a contrasting black tail tip, forming a T-shape (this was captured in a very blurry photo). (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:	I heard a call several times which I remember describing as a trill that was punctuated by a high-pitched note. I later listened to calls on xeno-canto and I believe I heard the rattle call.
Behavior:	Foraging on ground.
Habitat:	Agricultural/large fields/gravel road (fields and roadside were snow covered)
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	Facial pattern not as bold/contrasting as chestnut-collared and Lapland longspurs. Tail clearly showed black T-shape when in flight, which differs from triangle shape of chestnut-collored longspur. Tail also showed much more extensive white than Lapland or Smith's longspurs. I suppose horned larks could be considered superficially similar, but we had a nice side by side comparison. Even the dullest horned larks generally have a yellowish throat and bolder facial markings. Horned larks also have a longer, thinner bill, among other differences.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	None
References consulted:	Sibley Bird App and Western Field Guide National Geographic Field Guide
Description from:	From: From memory From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting
Observer:	Mike Schijf
Observer's address:	433 East 1050 South Apt. 3
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:	John Schijf was with me and assisted with the identification of these birds. These birds were re-found the following day by Steve and Cindy Sommerfeld.
Date prepared:	12/06/2019
Additional material:	Photos
Additional comments: