Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2008-27
| Common name: |
Wood Thrush |
| Scientific name: | Hylocichla mustelina |
| Date: | 5/26/08 |
| Time: | 2pm |
| Length of time observed: | 1+ hours |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | Adult |
| Sex: | Unkmown |
| Location: | Lucin Migrant Trap |
| County: | Box Elder |
| Latilong: | |
| Elevation: | |
| Distance to bird: | 10-30ft |
| Optical equipment: | B&L Elites 8X42 |
| Weather: | Mostly Cloudy |
| Light Conditions: | Moderate |
| Description: Size of bird: | Thrush to Robin size |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Thrush - Robust |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | Rusty red above & white with black speckles below |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | Thrush like |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
A large thrush that was mostly a rusty brown above...that was most rusty colored
on the nape. Mostly white below with large dark brown/black speckles below that
were more rusty colored and smudgy on the flanks. The large white eye ring and
white/mostly black streak cheek pattern were observed as well. Photos
diagnostic. (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: |
Gave their gentle rolling 'popopopo' call multiple times...a common (alarm?)
call out east. |
| Behavior: | Stayed low...either on the ground or the bottom couple of feet in the understory near where the pond has a pipe that drains water out of the pond |
| Habitat: | Decidious trees at a migrant trap in the middle of the desert...stuck to a lush, relatively well grown area of the migrant trap |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
The combination of large dark brown/black spots on the chest and flanks and bright rusty red upperparts (particularly on the nape and upper back), bold eye ring, size and distinct 'popopopo' call all eliminate 'catharus' species. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
I've seen dozens in New York, Wisconsin, Indiana, etc. |
| References consulted: | Sibley |
| Description from: | From memory |
| Observer: | Colby Neuman |
| Observer's address: | |
| Observer's e-mail address: | colby.neuman@gmail.com |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | Jeff Bilsky obtained video |
| Date prepared: | 10/20/08 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional Comments: | http://picasaweb.google.com/colby.neuman/RareUtahBirds |