Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2020-04
| Common name: |
Cassin's Sparrow |
| Scientific name: | Peucaea cassinii |
| Date: | 10/8/2019 |
| Time: | 12:30 pm |
| Length of time observed: | 10 seconds |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | Unknown |
| Sex: | Unknown |
| Location: | UT-24 near Loa, UT |
| County: | Wayne |
| Latilong: | |
| Elevation: | |
| Distance to bird: | 15 ft |
| Optical equipment: | Vortex 10 x 50 |
| Weather: | Sunny, no wind |
| Light Conditions: | Excellent, bird facing sun |
| Description: Size of bird: | Sparrow-sized |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Sparrow-shaped |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | Mostly light brown with slightly reddish wings and white, unmarked belly |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | Long for its size, triangular and pointed |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Relatively drab overall with bare unmarked chest, long tail, large triangular bill, faint eye-rolling, no eye line, and faint brown cap. Wings had a slight rufous color. |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | |
| Behavior: | Flocking with mixed species, seen perched on a fence. |
| Habitat: | Dry farm field near highway |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Unmarked belly eliminated most species; long tail and dull unmarked back eliminated Clay-colored and Brewer's Sparrows; brown cap eliminated Rufous-crowned Sparrow. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
Have seen once before, got good looks both times. |
| References consulted: | Field guides, both online and book. |
| Description from: | Notes taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | Ian Batterman |
| Observer's address: | 8538 S. Harvard Park Dr |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | |
| Date prepared: | 1/12/2020 |
| Additional material: | |
| Additional comments: |