Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2017-20
| Common name: |
Eastern Phoebe |
| Scientific name: | Sayornis phoebe |
| Date: | 4/2/2017 |
| Time: | 10:45 |
| Length of time observed: | 7 minutes |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | U |
| Sex: | U |
| Location: | Matheson Wetlands Preserve, Moab |
| County: | Grand |
| Latilong: | 38.579066, -109.5738597 |
| Elevation: | |
| Distance to bird: | <100 ft |
| Optical equipment: | Eagle Optics 10x42 binoculars, Canon 7D 300mm with 1.4x TC camera (420mm equivalent) |
| Weather: | Partly cloudy, warm |
| Light Conditions: | Broken sunlight (sub-canopy) |
| Description: Size of bird: | Small |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Flycatcher-like |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | white, brownish-gray |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | small, thin with tiny hook on end |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Immediately identified this bird as a flycatcher. April 2nd would be quite early
for most empids, so I took a closer look. Bird was "wagging" it's tail upwards,
again unusual for empids. Upon closer look noticed the bird had a dark cap and
white throat, all black bill, very thin. Immediately began observing and taking
photographs. The bird was perching below canopy height anywhere from 6-15 ft off
the ground. Remaining very still except for head movements to look for bugs.
Then brief flights were made to the ground or surrounding area in pursuit of
prey. See photos. (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | None |
| Behavior: | Perched head height to 15 ft, making brief flycatching forays to the ground or into the air |
| Habitat: | Cottonwood riparian, with wetlands associated understory |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Empids eliminated via dark cap, white throat, and
tail "wagging". Say's and Black Phoebe (both possible here) eliminated for same reasons. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
Saw this species for the first time earlier this winter in SE Arizona at Patagonia Lake SP. |
| References consulted: | Sibley App for iPhone. |
| Description from: | Notes taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | Neil Paprocki |
| Observer's address: | Salt Lake City, Utah |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | |
| Date prepared: | 4/2/2017 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional comments: |