Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Lark Bunting
Scientific name:	Calamospiza melanocorys
Date:	6/2/2026
Time:	8:20am
Length of time observed:	15 minutes
Number:	3
Age:	adult
Sex:	males
Location:	North of Randolph
County:	Rich
Latilong:	41.702875, -111.172033
Elevation:	6,300ft~
Distance to bird:	20m at closest
Optical equipment:	Nikon 10 X42 Binoculars
Weather:	Sunny, calm, cool, 47F
Light Conditions:	Good
Description: Size of bird:	medium sized passerine
(Description:) Basic Shape:	Sparrow shaped
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	black with white wing patches
(Description:) Bill Type:	Stout, granivore
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	Initial heard singing distinctive buzzy complex song, then seen doing flight display song, then landed on a power line, then another male was counter singing and joined it. This was during a BBS route 3 minute survey. After the survey I got closer to get better looks and photos. At my next point 1/2 mile away, another male was singing then landed on a power line, so at least 3 singing males in a 1/2 mile transect. Large chunky sparrow, all black except bold white wing coverts, also note white tip of tail in flight, stout heavy all dark bill (see photos & video)
Song or call & method of delivery:	Singing distinctive buzzy complex song
Behavior:	Singing males, also doing larking flight display
Habitat:	Mix of Sagebrush and open pastures
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	Adult male is very distinctive and unmistakable. Male Bobolink is the only superficially similar bird but has extensive white and buff on back, rump and nape.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	Yes, many
References consulted:	Memory
Description from:	From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting
Observer:	Bryant Olsen
Observer's address:	84102
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:	None that I know of
Date prepared:	7/12/2026
Additional material:	Photos, Video
Additional comments:	eBird checklist