Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2020-77
| Common name: |
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker |
| Scientific name: | Sphyrapicus varius |
| Date: | December 3, 2020 |
| Time: | 11:30 |
| Length of time observed: | 15 minutes |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | Juvenile |
| Sex: | Unknown |
| Location: | Herriman Highway (East of Butterfield Canyon Turnoff), Herriman, Utah |
| County: | Salt Lake |
| Latilong: | 40.512961, -112.076830 |
| Elevation: | |
| Distance to bird: | >10 feet |
| Optical equipment: | 10x42 Nikon Monarch Binoculars |
| Weather: | Clear skies, sunny. 35-40 degrees F. |
| Light Conditions: | Sun low in the sky, but at my back providing excellent viewing conditions. |
| Description: Size of bird: | |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
First noted a sapsucker in obvious juvenile plumage, flying directly at me as it
moved between telephone poles. At closest point, the bird flew 5 feet from my
head. Perched within 10 feet on telephone poles and nearby tree. It is
well-supported that Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers retain juvenile plumage far longer
than Red-naped. This late into the season, it is safe to presume this is a YBSA
based on this feature alone. To support the identification further, this
individual had strong and extensive barring across the back, unlike the two
distinct rows, generally shown by RNSA. Red starting to come in on the crown,
but none visible on the nape. (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | Silent |
| Behavior: | Flying between power poles and trees along the road. Later seen in three coniferous trees. |
| Habitat: | Sparse trees near open field with sunflowers and weeds. Three coniferous trees in the area, otherwise deciduous foliage. Scrub-oak to the south. |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Red-naped Sapsucker: Retained juvenile plumage and no red on the nape. Strong brownish/white barring across back. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
Extensive experience with Red-naped, have seen Yellow-bellied >30 times; many were juveniles. |
| References consulted: | |
| Description from: | Memory |
| Observer: | Kendall Watkins |
| Observer's address: | 2622 W Dry Creek Drive, Riverton, Utah 84065 |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | Bryant Olsen, Lauri Taylor. |
| Date prepared: | December 7, 2020 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional comments: |