Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2014-018
| Common name: |
Least Flycatcher |
| Scientific name: | Empidonax minimus |
| Date: | 6-5-2014 |
| Time: | 6:30 PM |
| Length of time observed: | 15 minutes |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | Adult |
| Sex: | |
| Location: | Newton Reservoir, Southwest side in the primitive camping area. |
| County: | Cache |
| Latilong: | |
| Elevation: | |
| Distance to bird: | Closest distance was about 25 yards |
| Optical equipment: | Nikon 8x32 binoculars and Canon SLR with 75-300mm lens. |
| Weather: | |
| Light Conditions: | Late afternoon sun from behind me. |
| Description: Size of bird: | |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | Mostly gray with white underparts |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Heard several distinct Che-bek calls and followed them to a small flycatcher. It
was mostly gray with white underparts, white wingbars, and a distinct white
eyering. I took a brief look through my binoculars but spent most of my time
trying to get some audio and photographic evidence. (see photo and view video with sound) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | It would give 4-8 distinct Che-bek calls from an open perch then move to another perch and give another series of calls. |
| Behavior: | Mostly calling as described above. Twice I observed the bird make a short flight out to catch an insect and return to the same or a nearby perch. |
| Habitat: | Open woods near Newton reservoir. |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Eliminated from other Empid species by call. Also noted that it was smaller and lighter gray than a Western Wood-pewee observed at the same time. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
I became familiar with the call last June (2013) when I heard it 3-5 times a week for about 1 month on a trail near work in Logan. |
| References consulted: | Cornell Lab's All About Birds website for descriptions, photos and audio of different empid species. |
| Description from: | From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | Cullen Clark |
| Observer's address: | |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | Ryan O'Donnell |
| Date prepared: | 6-7-2014 |
| Additional material: | Photos, video with audio |
| Additional_Comments: |