Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2020-77a
| Common name: |
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker |
| Scientific name: | Sphyrapicus varius |
| Date: | 12/3/2020 |
| Time: | 1:25pm |
| Length of time observed: | 45 minute |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | juvenile |
| Sex: | female |
| Location: | Herriman |
| County: | Salt Lake |
| Latilong: | 40.512960, -112.075123 |
| Elevation: | 5200ft |
| Distance to bird: | 3m |
| Optical equipment: | Nikon 10X42 binoculars |
| Weather: | Sunny, clear cool, 40F |
| Light Conditions: | Good |
| Description: Size of bird: | Medium sized woodpecker |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Typical woodpecker |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | Mostly mottled gray and brown |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | Chisel like |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Kendall Watkins had texted me that he found a juvenile plumage Sapsucker, so I
got there as quickly as I could. It took a few minutes but found the Sapsucker
in some pines in a field. Later it came out and perched on power polls very
close allowing great looks. In entirely juvenile plumage, mottled gray, white
and brown, red limited to crown, none on nape or throat, lots of white barring
on the back. Only Sapsucker to delay molt and retain juvenile plumage this late
is a Yellow-bellied, lack of any red in the throat implies a female. (see photos ) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | None heard |
| Behavior: | Spent most of its time in a Pine tree, but then flew and perched on power polls |
| Habitat: | Mix of agriculture with some scattered clumps of trees, in a dry canyon bottom |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Elimination: Red-naped Sapsucker: Should have completed 1st
formative molt by October, red or red and white throat, red on nape, less white
on the back Williamson's Sapsucker(female): should not have red on crown little or no striping on face Red-breasted Sapsucker: Should have completed 1st formative molt, more red on head, throat and breast |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
Yes, several |
| References consulted: | memory |
| Description from: | From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | Bryant Olen |
| Observer's address: | 84102 |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | Kendall Watkins found it, Lauri Taylor joined my and Kenny Frisch found it later that day |
| Date prepared: | 12-7-2020 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional comments: | eBird checklist |