Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah

Rec. # 2013-78


Common name:

Tropical Kingbird

Scientific name: Tyrannus melancholicus
Date: 11/07/2013
Time: 4:30 pm
Length of time observed: 20 minutes
Number: 1
Age: Unknown
Sex: Unknown
Location: Ogden Bay WMA (North Entrance)
County: Weber
Latilong:  
Elevation: 4327
Distance to bird: 10 yards
Optical equipment: Pentax Binos, Canon powershot sx50 hs
Weather: Overcast
Light Conditions: Decent to low
Description:        Size of bird: 9"
(Description:)       Basic Shape: Kingbird
(Description:)  Overall Pattern: Gray/yellow
(Description:)            Bill Type: Flycatcher but long
(Description:)                              
Field Marks and
Identifying Characteristics:
Head was gray with dark eyeline and black iris, chin was white with black bill. Breast and belly were bright yellow. Tail was a brownish gray, back was gray fading to an almost olive at base of head. Tail had no white on the edges or anywhere else.
(see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery: Did not notice any sounds from the bird. It did however respond to the call of the Tropical but not the calls of the Couch's or Western Kingbird.
Behavior: Actively pursuing insects in flight.
Habitat: Marsh edge, phragmite.
Similar species and how
were they eliminated:
Western Kingbird, Cassin's Kingbird: Tail had no white at sides or end of tail, bill too long. Couch's Kingbird: it responded to the call of the Tropical and the likelihood of range maps. Thick-billed Kingbird: bill was too small.
Previous experience with
this & similar species:
None with this species. Plenty with Cassin's and Western.
References consulted: Internet, Nat Geo Field Guide, Stokes Field Guide.
Description from: Notes taken at the time of the sighting
Observer: Mike Hearell
Observer's address: 173 W 1825 N, North Ogden, UT 84414
Observer's e-mail address: **
Other observers who independently identified this bird: None
Date prepared: 11/07/2013
Additional material: Photos
Additional_Comments: