Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah

Rec. # 2021-35


Common name:

Painted Bunting

Scientific name: Passerine ciris
Date: 5/30/21
Time: 4:00 PM
Length of time observed: 10 minutes
Number: 1
Age: Adult
Sex: Male
Location: Torrey
County: Wayne
Latilong:  
Elevation:  
Distance to bird: 20 yards
Optical equipment: 12X50 EL Swarovski binoculars
Weather: Partly Cloudy slight breeze
Light Conditions: Bright afternoon (bird was in shade of a tree)
Description:        Size of bird: 5"
(Description:)       Basic Shape: Similar to Indigo Bunting
(Description:)  Overall Pattern: See Photos
(Description:)            Bill Type: Thick, bunting-like
(Description:)                              
Field Marks and
Identifying Characteristics:
Unmistakeable - See Photos
Song or call & method of delivery: Did not hear any.
Behavior: Dropping from thick cover in fruit tree to feed on the ground.
Habitat: Orchard/garden spot
Similar species and how
were they eliminated:
Nothing I know of compares.
Previous experience with
this & similar species:
Have seen and photographed Indigo, Lazuli, and Varied Buntings.
References consulted: Kaufmann Field Guide to Birds of North America
Description from: From memory
From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting
Observer: Terry Reid
Observer's address: 2675 East Canyon Rd
Observer's e-mail address: **
Other observers who independently identified this bird: First seen and reported by Julia Diffenbach. Also seen and photographed by Kendall Watkins and James Loveless.
Date prepared: 6/10/21
Additional material: Photos  
Additional comments: Stunning vagrant.