Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2023-37
| Common name: |
Curve-billed Thrasher |
| Scientific name: | Toxostoma Curvirostre |
| Date: | 7/27/2023 |
| Time: | 5:00 PM |
| Length of time observed: | Several brief but good looks over a 2 hour period |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | unknown |
| Sex: | unknown |
| Location: | Fish Springs NWR |
| County: | Juab |
| Latilong: | |
| Elevation: | |
| Distance to bird: | 20' - 100' |
| Optical equipment: | Swarovski 12X50 binoculars |
| Weather: | Mostly clear with scattered clouds, occasional light breeze, hot. |
| Light Conditions: | Late afternoon light with occasional cloud filter |
| Description: Size of bird: | About the size of an American Robin |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Somewhat slender, long heavy legs, long tail |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | Grayish brown |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | Long, black, decurved |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
See photos |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | Song was a jumbled mix of warbles and whistles. Call was very distinctive 2 note whistle unique to the species. |
| Behavior: | Furtive and mostly stayed well hidden in thick brush and heavy foliage. Did not stay in one spot for very long. Heard more than seen,but popped into view several times. |
| Habitat: | Desert brush and shrubs as well as larger trees around the Fish Springs compound. |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
As noted by Renee Tressler, bill was longer and more decurved than Bendires or Sage Thrasher. Orangish yellow eye rules out California and LeConte's Thrasher. Crissal Thrasher ruled out due to shape of bill and lack of rusty/rufous undertail coverts. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
No previous experience with CBTH. Have observed and photographed Sage Thrashers, Crissal Thrashers and Bendire's Thrashers |
| References consulted: | The Cornell Lab of Ornithology Birds of the World. |
| Description from: | 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 Renee Tressler. Was relocated, photographed, and reported by James Loveless and myself. |
| Date prepared: | 8/1/2023 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional comments: |