Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2026-40
| Common name: |
Lark Bunting |
| Scientific name: | Calamospiza melanocorys |
| Date: | May 24, 2026 |
| Time: | 7:53 PM |
| Length of time observed: | 10 minutes |
| Number: | 2 |
| Age: | |
| Sex: | Male and female |
| Location: | Antelope Island SP--Road to Garr Ranch |
| County: | Davis |
| Latilong: | |
| Elevation: | |
| Distance to bird: | 30 ft |
| Optical equipment: | Binoculars |
| Weather: | Breezy evening |
| Light Conditions: | |
| Description: Size of bird: | Sparrow-like |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Sparrow-like |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | mostly black, white wing bars; F: streaked brown, white, and black |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | Thick, seed-eating |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Continuing bird. Originally found by Ari Erickson on May 22nd. Male and female found together. Both individuals characteristic in color and pattern, as well as a heavy bill, thick white wing bars/coverts, and a white-tipped tail. Video uploaded to eBird: (see video) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | |
| Behavior: | Male and female flying together. First observed foraging on side of road, then flew into nearby shrub. |
| Habitat: | Grassy and shrubby steppe. |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Male Lark Bunting was distinct in black-and-white plumage and thick bill. Female matched description and was identified apart from sparrows by association with male, thick bill, and characteristic throat pattern, and white wing bar. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
|
| References consulted: | |
| Description from: | From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | Katie Smith |
| Observer's address: | |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | Max Malmquist |
| Date prepared: | July 3, 2026 |
| Additional material: | eBird video |
| Additional comments: |
Video can be found on eBird
checklist |