Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2024-17
| Common name: |
White-tailed Kite |
| Scientific name: | Elanus Leucurus |
| Date: | 4/23/2024 |
| Time: | 7:13PM |
| Length of time observed: | 3 minutes |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | Unknown |
| Sex: | Unknown |
| Location: | Antelope Island |
| County: | Davis County |
| Latilong: | 40.92656, -112.16590 |
| Elevation: | 5,325ft |
| Distance to bird: | ~150m |
| Optical equipment: | Canon EOS R5 with 100-500mm RF |
| Weather: | Partly cloudy |
| Light Conditions: | Low - sunset |
| Description: Size of bird: | Medium |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Raptor |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | White and gray |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | Hooked |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Large red eyes, black wrist patches, hovering behavior (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | N/A |
| Behavior: | Soaring and hovering |
| Habitat: | Grassland |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Northern harrier: this was too light with different body proportions in comparison. In addition, harriers do not typically hover in such a way as this |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
Mississippi kite in Illinois - same overall shape, red eyes, gray wings |
| References consulted: | ABA What s this bird? On Facebook |
| Description from: | From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | Elizabeth Moon |
| Observer's address: | 148 point of view circle - Farmington, UT 84025 |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | |
| Date prepared: | 4/23/2024 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional comments: |