Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Scientific name:	Coccyzus americanus
Date:	7/19/2023
Time:	10:02 AM
Length of time observed:	20 mins approx
Number:	1
Age:	Adult
Sex:	N/A
Location:	Clay Marsh (South of Pruess Lake)
County:	Millard
Latilong:	38.873210, -114.003716
Elevation:	5,220'
Distance to bird:	15 feet
Optical equipment:	Nikon 8*42 binoculars
Weather:	Sunny, cloudless
Light Conditions:	Slightly backlit, optimal for color views nonetheless
Description: Size of bird:	14 inches
(Description:) Basic Shape:	Long, slender, upright
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	Tricolored
(Description:) Bill Type:	Long, thin, yellow with black top
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	Seen perched very still in tree above inlet creek a few minutes later, excellent looks. Slightly larger than a Robin with an extremely long and slender tail. Brownish gray on top with a gray cap that cut off just below eye and extended to bill, pearl white beneath. Yellow bill with a thin black line on top. Flew after initial observation revealing long wings, flaming orange beneath and once again the very long slim tail (no color observation). Flew across road into another tall tree above creek, immediately starting clicky kow-kow-kow series. Silhouette seen once more, reminiscent of a slim trogon with a longer head, then flew out of sight. (Audio)
Song or call & method of delivery:	First heard about a half mile South of Pruess Lake at our campsite. Repeated, steady, high-pitched coo-coo-coo-coo at about 110 bpm (recording). Later heard alt vocalization (see above).
Behavior:	Perched still, occasionally tilting head (very much like a trogon). Would fly occasionally, flight direct but almost floppy and erratic sort of like a Mourning Dove but much less graceful.
Habitat:	Mixed trees and shrubs at creekside.
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	Black-billed Cuckoo: Different vocalization, all black bill with no yellow, lacks rufous on underwing, browner and less grayish on top. Mourning Dove: Different bill, flight style, longer wings, and completely different color patterns and vocalizations. Yellow Breasted Chat: No Yellow on breast, much larger, longer wings.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	I have seen the Yellow-billed Cuckoo once in Arizona (brief flyover glance), and heard one before in Washington County at the Gallinule marsh on Partridge Circle.
References consulted:	Ebird, Audubon, Merlin.
Description from:	Notes taken at the time of the sighting
Observer:	Ben Stradling
Observer's address:
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:	My uncle Chris Stubben was also present at the time of observation and also observed the Cuckoo.
Date prepared:	7/20/2023
Additional material:	Tape
Additional comments: