Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2004-44b
| Common name: |
Rufous-backed Robin |
| Scientific name: | Turdus rufopalliatus |
| Date: | 12-27-04 |
| Time: | 8:15 am and 8:45 am |
| Length of time observed: | 5 minutes on each occasion |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | unknown, probably an adult |
| Sex: | unknown |
| Location: | Jim Trees' apple orchard, SR#9, next to Springdale Fruit Company |
| County: | Washington |
| Latilong: | 37degrees14'58.69"N, 112degrees 59'1.03"W |
| Elevation: | 4,000 feet |
| Distance to bird: | 30 - 50 feet |
| Optical equipment: | 10x42 Nikon Monarch, 20-60x Bausch Scope, Canon Digital Rebel w/ 300mm lens |
| Weather: | Overcast, windy, cold, with a little drizzle on and off |
| Light Conditions: | low light |
| Detailed description of bird: |
A thrush-like species, similair to American Robin, except with a light cinnamon
belly, and a rufous colored back. Whitish throat, with an overall light grey
head, rump, wing, and tail. Obviously not an American Robin, and definately a
Rufous-backed Robin. Pictures were taken. (see Photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | n/a |
| Behavior: | Feeding on the ground between rows of apple trees. The bird flew off on several occasions. Although there was a large number of American Robins around, the Rufous-backed tended to be solitary and away from the other birds. |
| Habitat: | Apple Orchard |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
American Robin - no rufous back Varied Thrush - head markings not on RBRO Dark-eyed Junco - to small and a conical bill |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
n/a |
| References consulted: | Sibley's Guide to Birds of North America |
| Description from: | Notes taken at time of sighting |
| Observer: | Tim Avery |
| Observer's address: | 1754 Garfield Avenue, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108 |
| Observer's e-mail address: | tanager@timaverybirding.com |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | Colby Neuman |
| Date prepared: | 12-27-04 (General Public) |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional comments: |