Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah

Rec. # 2024-45


Common name:

Pyrrhloxia

Scientific name: [Cardinalis sinuatus]
Date: 7/2/24
Time: 1:00 PM
Length of time observed: 30 seconds
Number: 1
Age: Juvenile (dark bill)
Sex: Unknown
Location: Grafton
County: Washington
Latilong:  
Elevation:  
Distance to bird: 30 feet
Optical equipment: Kowa Genesis 10.5x44
Weather: Sunny
Light Conditions: Bright
Description:        Size of bird: Cardinal size
(Description:)       Basic Shape: Cardinal
(Description:)  Overall Pattern: Gray plumage,
(Description:)            Bill Type: Thick, seed-crushing
(Description:)                              
Field Marks and
Identifying Characteristics:
gray bill
prominent, thin crest
Clear view, just like a cardinal but gray and thinner crest
Song or call & method of delivery:  
Behavior: Hopping around in trees by buildings
Habitat: Trees around restored ghost town buildings
Similar species and how
were they eliminated:
Cardinal: not the right range and much thinner crest, color not right for cardinal, very thick bill
Phainopepla: bill way too thick
Previous experience with
this & similar species:
I have seen this species only twice before in Arizona, but have seen cardinals hundreds of times and phainopeplas dozens of times
References consulted: Merlin; eBird
Description from: Notes taken at the time of the sighting
Observer: Bruce Christensen
Observer's address: 856 Tufts Ct, Woodland, CA 95695
Observer's e-mail address: **
Other observers who independently identified this bird:  
Date prepared: 7/7/24
Additional material:  
Additional comments: