Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah

Rec. # 2020-06a


Common name:

Brown-capped Rosy-Finch

Scientific name: Leucosticte australis
Date: 2/11/2020
Time: 15:00
Length of time observed: 35 min.
Number: 1 (possibly more)
Age: Adult
Sex: Unknown
Location: La Sal Loop Rd. near Pinhook Overlook
County: Grand
Latilong: 38.562765, -109.292803
Elevation: 7667 ft.
Distance to bird: ~70 ft.
Optical equipment: Vortex Diamondback 8x42 binoculars, scope
Weather: Sunny, clear
Light Conditions: Sunny afternoon lighting
Description:        Size of bird: ~6 inches
(Description:)       Basic Shape: Finch
(Description:)  Overall Pattern: Brown with rosy on belly/wings
(Description:)            Bill Type: Conical
(Description:)                              
Field Marks and
Identifying Characteristics:
Brown head, breast, and back, pink on wings and belly, finch-like proportions, conical bill; complete absence of gray on head distinguished it amid large flock of mostly Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches.
(see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery: N/A
Behavior: Mostly feeding in grasses on slope, occasionally swirling up and moving to new patch of ground with rosy-finch flock, lit in dead juniper tree for over a minute, however, allowing for careful study at fairly close range and photos.
Habitat: Mountain slope covered with forbs and grasses with snow at edges
Similar species and how
were they eliminated:
Distinguished from Gray-crowned and Black Rosy-Finches by brown head without gray cheek or hind-crown. Dark forehead; head otherwise completely brown. Distinguished from other finches by habits and rosy-pink on belly and wings.
Previous experience with
this & similar species:
Yes. Previous experience with all three rosy-finch species.
References consulted: Sibley Guide to Birds
Description from: From memory
From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting
Observer: Thomas Meinzen
Observer's address: HC 64 Box 2604, Castle Valley, UT
Observer's e-mail address: **
Other observers who independently identified this bird: Steve Heinrich
Date prepared: 2/11/2020
Additional material: Photos
Additional comments: Additional documentation for record originally submitted by Steve Heinrich. Likely this Brown-capped Rosy-Finch is from the same flock that he previously reported with up to three Brown-caps.