Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah

Rec. # 2018-73


Common name:

Rusty Blackbird

Scientific name: Euphagus carolinus
Date: Dec. 15th, 2018
Time: 12:07
Length of time observed: Observed: 4 min.
Number: 1
Age:  
Sex: male
Location: 40.798498, -112.015080  [N. of International Center]
County: Salt Lake County
Latilong: 6
Elevation: 4,220'
Distance to bird: about 15'
Optical equipment: binoculars and 500mm lens
Weather: clear, sunny, and 40 degrees F.
Light Conditions: sunny
Description:        Size of bird: Typical blackbird size
(Description:)       Basic Shape: blackbird
(Description:)  Overall Pattern: black gray and rusty brown
(Description:)            Bill Type: average and pointed
(Description:)                              
Field Marks and
Identifying Characteristics:
Rusty crown, light eye and highly contrasting supercillium. Rusty back and brown/gray speckled breast. Very distinct facial pattern with dark eye patch. Dark metallic wings, rump and tail. Rusty brown edges on primaries and tertials.
(see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery: The bird was very vocal, matching Rusty Blackbird calls and notes. No attempt at recording or using audio playback.
Behavior: Very vocal and active over open water on a metal perch. Paid little mind to all in the group that were on both sides of the canal and close to the bird. Eventually it flew north and out of sight. Interestingly the same bird was seen 30 min. later further up the canal but at a much greater distance.
Habitat: Marsh riparian mix over Jordan River drainage.
Similar species and how
were they eliminated:
Red-winged Blackbird eliminated given light eye, rusty color, lack of juvenile red-winged streaking and overall jizz. Seperated from Brewer's by pattern and the rusty color being in all the right places for a Rusty Blackbird.
Previous experience with
this & similar species:
Seen Brewer's Blackbirds and Red-winged Blackbirds on probably thousands of occasions. Seen Rusty Blackbird in Utah on 2 other occasions.
References consulted: Ebird and Sibley's
Description from: From memory
From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting
Observer: Matthew Pendleton
Observer's address: 12043 Bluff View Dr. Sandy84092
Observer's e-mail address: **
Other observers who independently identified this bird: Lothair Pendleton, Lauri Taylor, Dan Errichetti, Mike Johnson, AJ Kaumavae
 
Date prepared: 12/17/2018
Additional material:

Photos

Additional comments: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S50695716