Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2021-43
| Common name: |
Vaux's Swift |
| Scientific name: | Chaetura vauxi |
| Date: | 6/27/21 |
| Time: | 19:45 |
| Length of time observed: | 10 seconds |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | Adult |
| Sex: | Unknown |
| Location: | Little Cottonwood Canyon, Coalpit Overlook |
| County: | Salt Lake |
| Latilong: | |
| Elevation: | |
| Distance to bird: | 30ft |
| Optical equipment: | Vortex 10x50 |
| Weather: | Sunny, calm, clear |
| Light Conditions: | Near sunset, mix of shadows and sun |
| Description: Size of bird: | Swallow-sized |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Cigar-shaped with pointed wings |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | Brown, light brown throat |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | Tiny |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Flyby; rapid, bat-like wingbeats; small and brown overall with lighter brown throat. Tail was square with small needle feathers visable. |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | NA |
| Behavior: | Rapid, bat-like flight, flying low just above the treeline |
| Habitat: | Montane forest |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Though swallow-sized, lack of definitive colors and frantic wingbeats indicated swift. Small size and overall brown body eliminated Black or White-throated. Range and lighter throat made me think Vaux's over Chimney. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
Have seen all other swift species, very familiar with flight pattern. Also quite familiar with Chimney Swifts out East. |
| References consulted: | Audubon app, field guide |
| Description from: | From memory |
| Observer: | Ian Batterman |
| Observer's address: | 8538 S Harvard Park Dr |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | |
| Date prepared: | 7/17/21 |
| Additional material: | |
| Additional comments: |