Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Scientific name:	Coccyzus americanus
Date:	6/11/23
Time:	7:00 am
Length of time observed:	5 minutes
Number:	1 or 2
Age:	U
Sex:	U
Location:	Rio Mesa Field Station
County:	Grand
Latilong:	38.7992853,-109.2046978
Elevation:	1280 m
Distance to bird:	50 feet
Optical equipment:	Zeiss 10x42
Weather:	Sunny, clear
Light Conditions:	Great
Description: Size of bird:	Medium to large
(Description:) Basic Shape:	Cuckoo shape, with a prominent longer tail than body
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	White underside, brown back and head. White spots seen on the underside of the tail.
(Description:) Bill Type:	I made sure to change angles and spent extra time observing the bird to ensure that I received a clear look at the bird's bill, which was indeed largely yellow in color.
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	Continuing bird, originally captured in our mist-net by our banding crew 3 days prior. 1, maybe 2 birds as I heard vocalizations coming from different locations: first heard calling from a cottonwood tree near our banding station and closer to the Dolores River, I went to investigate and then heard vocalizations from the house area and eventually found the bird in the cottonwoods behind these buildings). Seen very well flying and then perched in a cottonwood tree, out in the open, for a bit. Potentially breeding in the area. (see the banding crew poto)
Song or call & method of delivery:	Vocalizing from cottonwood trees, the classic YBCU repetitive song.
Behavior:	Vocalizing from the cottonwood trees, then flying between trees and perching in the open on a snag before continuing its flight to another cottonwood patch.
Habitat:	Cottonwoods and open desert scrub/shrub
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	There is no other species out here to confuse with.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	I grew up with YBCU in my backyard in North Carolina
References consulted:	I did not consult any other references.
Description from:	Notes made later
Observer:	Kyle Kittelberger
Observer's address:	370 E Kensington Ave
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:	Our banding crew (3 people) for the spring captured this bird in hand and took many pics 3 days prior.
Date prepared:	9/25/23
Additional material:	Banding crew photo
Additional comments: