Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Rusty Blackbird
Scientific name:	Euphagus carolinus
Date:	01/31/2021
Time:	12:30 PM
Length of time observed:	20 minutes
Number:	1
Age:
Sex:	Female
Location:	Sand Hollow State Park
County:	Washington
Latilong:
Elevation:
Distance to bird:	~18 feet at closest
Optical equipment:	8x42 binoculars & 500 mm lens
Weather:
Light Conditions:	Mid-day light
Description: Size of bird:	Medium-sized passerine
(Description:) Basic Shape:
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	Gray/rusty-brown
(Description:) Bill Type:	Thin and mostly straight (very subtle curve)
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	I had just stepped out of my vehicle at the edge of the west/northwest end of the reservoir, and noticed a smaller blackbird fly and land in a small cottonwood tree in amongst a flock of Great-tailed Grackles. Immediate thought was Brewer's, but then noticed the pale supercilium and malar area and took a closer look. I then noted the extensively rusty back and wings and the dark, contrasting eye patch, and pale iris. The underparts were a mostly smooth dark gray, with subtle rusty color in the breast. The rump and upper-tail coverts were also gray, with a darker gray (almost black) tail. Legs were black. The bill appeared mostly straight to my eye in the field. Upon examining my photos later, I noticed a slight curve to the culmen. (Photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:	This bird sang at least twice while I watched it. I wouldn't know how to begin to describe it, but there is a (relatively poor) recording in my eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S80217242
Behavior:	First flew into a small cottonwood tree and began singing. Then flew down along the edge of the reservoir and actively foraged around the rocks along the shoreline.
Habitat:	Rocky area at edge of reservoir. It was also reported at the small riparian inlet area by other birders.
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	Brewer's Blackbird: Drab, non-breeding male Brewer's Blackbirds may appear similar to Rusty Blackbirds, but these individuals are rare (especially at this date), and most retain their glossy-black plumage. Regardless, these birds would never show such extensively rusty plumage, and the facial pattern would not be quite so contrasting. Would also show a slightly straighter bill. Red-winged Blackbirds: Female red-winged Blackbirds can show rusty upper-parts and a contrasting facial pattern, somewhat similar to Rusty Blackbirds. However, these birds have much streakier plumage, a dark iris, and have a thicker, straighter bill. Also noteworthy: when this bird sang, the call didn't sound anything like the vocalizations of other blackbirds.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	Rusty Blackbird: None. This was a lifer(!) Extensive prior experience with Brewer's Blackbirds, Red-winged Blackbirds, and other expected blackbird species in Utah.
References consulted:	Sibley Bird App, Birds of the World Online
Description from:	Notes taken at the time of the sighting From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting
Observer:	Mike Schijf
Observer's address:	109 S 330 West Ivins, UT
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:	I was alone, but this bird was subsequently re-found and identified by many others during the following weeks.
Date prepared:	04/10/2021
Additional material:	Photos
Additional comments:	Bird was present at least through March 7th.