Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah

Rec. # 2002-06


Common name:

Anna's Hummingbird

Scientific name: Calypte anna 
Date: March 31, 2001
Time: 15:00 
Length of time observed: ~3 min 
Number: 1
Age: Adult 
Sex: Male 
Location: Red Cliffs Golf Course, St. George
County: Washington 
Latilong:  
Elevation:  
Distance to bird: ~ 10 m (closest point)  
Optical equipment:  
Weather: 85 degress F, clear, 5 - 10 mph wind
Light Conditions: bright, sunny conditions
Detailed description of bird: Relatively large hummingbird - larger than Black-chinned Hummingbird, which was also observed at this site on the same day. The hummingbird was solid greenish on the back; pale with greenish cast below. Whitish eye-ring. All of crown and throat were a bright rose-red, seen well in bright sunlight.

*Behavior and call were identical to adult male Anna's Hummingbird observed 18 March 2001 at Red Cliffs Preserve campground.
Song or call & method of delivery: Call: A loud emphatic "chup" given near lowest point of display arc flight path.
 
Behavior: Displaying - J-shaped flight path followed back & forth; bird hovers at both end points.
Habitat: Low desert shrub.
Similar species and
how were they eliminated:
No other hummingbird has red throat and crown. Costa's Hummingbird has purple throat and crown, but is a small hummingbird. The observed hummingbird was noticeably large and the color of the head was rose red, seen in direct sunlight.
Previous experience with this & similar species: I have experience with Anna's Hummingbird in California, so. Nevada and Arizona; experience with Costa's Hummingbird in Arizona; and Broad-tailed (which also has rd on throat) throughout the western U.S.
References consulted: Sibley Guide to Birds
Description from: NOTES TAKEN AT TIME OF SIGHTING 
Observer: Robert Dobbs
Observer's address: 817 Brentwood Blvd, Lafayette, LA  70503
Observer's e-mail address:  
Other observers who independently identified
this bird:
Rick Fridell
Date prepared: 20 December 2001 
Additional material: Original Document