Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2021-08
| Common name: |
Thick-billed Longspur [McCown's L.] |
| Scientific name: | Rhynchophanes mccownii |
| Date: | 1-24-21 |
| Time: | 2:00pm |
| Length of time observed: | Observed: 8 minutes |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | Adult |
| Sex: | Male |
| Location: | Bird Refuge Rd |
| County: | Box Elder |
| Latilong: | |
| Elevation: | 4100 |
| Distance to bird: | 40 yards |
| Optical equipment: | Pentax Binoculars, Canon sx60hs camera |
| Weather: | Mostly cloudy |
| Light Conditions: | Good |
| Description: Size of bird: | ~6 |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Sparrow |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | Drab |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | Sparrow |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Wide pale eyebrow, nondescript facial pattern with auriculars that have no
border at the rear, and pinkish bill. Back was light tan with rusty median
coverts that are diagnostic within longspurs. Underside mostly whitish with no
streaking. Faded black across the top of chest. Short tail. Tail pattern not
observed. (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | N/A |
| Behavior: | Foraging amongst Horned Larks in a snow covered field. Moving in and out of the agricultural rows of dirt which made getting a photo difficult. |
| Habitat: | Agricultural field. |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Once it is determined that the individual is a longspur, the rusty median coverts are diagnostic. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
Have observed multiple individuals this Winter alone. |
| References consulted: | Memory |
| Description from: | Notes taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | Mike Hearell |
| Observer's address: | North Ogden |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | |
| Date prepared: | 1-25-21 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional comments: |