Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2021-20
| Common name: |
Rusty Blackbird |
| Scientific name: | Euphagus carolinus |
| Date: | January 10, 2021 |
| Time: | 9:45am |
| Length of time observed: | 25 minutes |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | Adult |
| Sex: | Female |
| Location: | 3750 S Street - Jensen Feedlot |
| County: | Uintah |
| Latilong: | 40.4033, -109.3449 |
| Elevation: | Unknown |
| Distance to bird: | 5-10 m |
| Optical equipment: | 10x42 Nikon Monarch Binoculars, Canon 7D w/ 100-400mm lens. Swarovski 20x60 spotting scope. |
| Weather: | 10-20% cloud cover, bitter cold (0-10 degrees F all day). |
| Light Conditions: | Good, crisp lighting; sun at our backs. |
| Description: Size of bird: | |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Female Rusty Blackbird was picked out at close range among Brewer’s and
Red-winged. Bright rufous-colored cap and the pale iris were conspicuous at
first glance, immediately registering as RUBL. The Rusty, and a handful of
Brewer’s Blackbirds, were the closest birds to us at 15-20 feet, providing great
opportunities for comparisons between the two species. Bright rufous coloring isolated on the cap, broken by a rich buffy hindneck, and then picking up again on the mantle/scapular feathers (see photos where bird is stooping over). Similar to Brewer’s in general size and shape; bigger-bodied and longer-tailed than Red-winged Blackbirds. Distinct facial pattern also supports the ID -- pale supercilium, pale throat and malar stripes, well-defined rufous/brown auriculars, and dark smudge centered around the eye. Field Marks: - Rich, rufous cap - Pale iris - Pale supercilium - Well-defined, rufous-brown auriculars - Dark half circle centered around eye, under pale supercilium. - Pale throat and malar - Rufous fringing on mantle/scapulars - Streaky/splotchy sides and belly - Pale breast - Slightly curved bill (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | Did not pick out any vocalizations from the RUBL. |
| Behavior: | Foraging with other Blackbirds and starlings |
| Habitat: | Feed Lot for livestock. |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Brewer’s Blackbird: Distinct, chestnut-colored cap along with overall plumage, pale eye, and bill shape, rule out Brewer’s Blackbird entirely. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
Less than 10 previous sightings of Rusty Blackbird, but familiar with their expected winter-plumage. Extensive experience with all other expected blackbirds and Common Grackle. |
| References consulted: | Macaulay Library – Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Sibley Guide to Birds. |
| Description from: | NOTES TAKEN AT TIME OF SIGHTING, memory and photos |
| Observer: | Kendall Watkins |
| Observer's address: | 2622 W Dry Creek Drive, Riverton, 84065 |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | Quinn Diaz. |
| Date prepared: | January 19, 2021; Additional details added on March 17, 2021. |
| Additional material: | Photos Video |
| Additional comments: |