Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Lark Bunting
Scientific name:	Calamospiza melanocorys
Date:	5/15/23
Time:	10:45
Length of time observed:	10 minutes
Number:	1
Age:	Immature
Sex:	Male
Location:	Decker Lake
County:	Salt Lake
Latilong:
Elevation:
Distance to bird:	20 ft
Optical equipment:	10x50 vortex viper
Weather:	Sunny, slight breeze
Light Conditions:	Bright, clear
Description: Size of bird:	Sparrow-sized
(Description:) Basic Shape:	Sparrow-shaped
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	Mostly brownish-grey with light white underneath and dark black chest spot
(Description:) Bill Type:	Thick, conical, bi-colored
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	Large, stocky sparrow. Large bi-colored beak, dull brownish-grey above and white below; prominent black stripes bordering the white throat; white malar stripes; striped flanks and chest with a black chest spot; white wing patches seen when wings were closed; and a short, dark tail with white tips to the feathers creating a spotted tail appearance in flight (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:	None
Behavior:	Flitting up to a low perch, then down to the ground to forage
Habitat:	Dry scrub near buildings and water
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	Most other sparrows ruled out due to size and shape, Fox Sparrow ruled out due to short tail, beak shape, and lack of rufous coloration on wings and tail; Sagebrush Sparrow ruled out due to short tail, and uniform back & head color.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	Seen before in Nebraska and Utah
References consulted:	Field guides
Description from:	Notes taken at the time of the sighting From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting
Observer:	Ian Batterman
Observer's address:
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:
Date prepared:	6/28/23
Additional material:	Photos
Additional comments: