Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2026-01
| Common name: |
Rusty Blackbird |
| Scientific name: | Euphagus carolinus |
| Date: | 01/02/2026 |
| Time: | 2:30 PM |
| Length of time observed: | Two intervals of 2-3 minutes |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | Adult |
| Sex: | Female |
| Location: | Howard Slough WMA |
| County: | Davis |
| Latilong: | 41�'44.5"N 112�'53.1"W |
| Elevation: | 4200 feet |
| Distance to bird: | 20 feet |
| Optical equipment: | Celestron TrailSeeker 8x42, Sony Alpha 9 |
| Weather: | Sunny |
| Light Conditions: | Good |
| Description: Size of bird: | Robin sized |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Blackbird appearance |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | Rufous, tan, and gray |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | Thin, decurved |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
This bird has a defined supercilium, with a pale eye. Its dark
coloration around the eye is striking. The brown coloration goes down the individual's back and is lines its wing feathers. This individual had a gray rump, which I was unfortunately unable to get a photo of. We were all casually birding with our cameras in the car. After our discovery, I had to run to the car and then back to the bird. We luckily were able rediscover the bird, but it was deeper in the vegetation and difficult to get photos of. (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | This bird was silent, but responded to our rusty blackbird calls. |
| Behavior: |
The individual was first seen wading in a shallow water foraging. It continued
this behavior until we lost sight of it a few minutes later. After failing to relocate it for a couple of minutes, we played rusty blackbird calls. It then reemerged from the thick, and flew in near KC, who was calling. We stopped the recording, and then it went back into dense vegetation. |
| Habitat: | wetlands |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
When I first observed this individual, it was wading in the dark
undergrowth and I could only observe it as a blackbird. Then, when it
foraged into the light I first identified it as a Brewer's blackbird and
then an "uh wait... it's uh," before KC kindly jumped in and suggested
rusty blackbird. It has a more defined dark spot and supercillium than a brewers. It had a pale eye. Rust in the back and wing, and a gray rump are distinguishing features. Smaller and shorter tailed than a great-tailed grackle. Thinner and shorter beak. The color in its wings also helps differentiate the two. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
I've seen and dined with our local blackbird species countless time. This, however, was my lifer rusty blackbird. My companions have all seen one before. |
| References consulted: | Sibley Birds, my more experienced and lovely companions. |
| Description from: |
Notes taken at the time of the sighting From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | Matt Hoecherl |
| Observer's address: | 971 East Atkin Avenue, Salt Lake City, UT 84106 |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | KC Childs, Felicia Alvarez, Deanna McLaughlin |
| Date prepared: | 1/5/2026 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional comments: |