Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2021-65
| Common name: |
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher |
| Scientific name: | Tyrannus forficatus |
| Date: | June 8, 2021 |
| Time: | 9:40AM |
| Length of time observed: | 20 minutes |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | adult |
| Sex: | unsure (likely female) |
| Location: | Jarvie Ranch historic site, Brown's Park Road, Utah |
| County: | Daggett |
| Latilong: | 40.899178 lat, -109.177500 lon. |
| Elevation: | 5455 ft. |
| Distance to bird: | 50 ft. |
| Optical equipment: | 10x50 Vortex binoculars |
| Weather: | Clear and calm. Did not record temperature. |
| Light Conditions: | |
| Description: Size of bird: | Medium, slightly smaller than a magpie |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | similar to magpie with very long scissor-shaped tail |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | White, salmon, brown |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | pointed, medium length |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Breast white to faint salmon on belly, white head, dark brown wings.
Scissor-shaped tail longer than the body. (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | no call |
| Behavior: | Initially observed perched on a wheel line in the field. Flew to various perching places around the site. Log parking barrier, cottonwood tree, sign post. |
| Habitat: | Riparian zone along the Green River. Cottonwood, willow, buffaloberry, cut grass, box elder, fruit trees. |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
No other species here has a tail that long in proportion to their body. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
First time seeing this species. |
| References consulted: | Auduban field guide for initial ID. Sent pictures to Natasha Hadden, BLM wildlife biologist at the time, and Brian Maxfield, UDWR sensitive species biologist for confirmation. |
| Description from: |
From memory From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | Cal DeBerard |
| Observer's address: | 904 Skyline Dr. Vernal Utah, 84078 |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | Charity Reynolds was present and agreed with ID. Natasha Hadden and Brian Maxfield ID from photos. |
| Date prepared: | 11/02/2021 |
| Additional material: | Photos, Video |
| Additional comments: |