Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # O2005-01
| Common name: |
Black Phoebe |
| Scientific name: | Sayornis nigricans |
| Date: | April 2, 2005 |
| Time: | 9:15 am |
| Length of time observed: | 20 seconds |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | presumed adult |
| Sex: | ? |
| Location: | Sevier River near Fayette, Utah |
| County: | Sanpete |
| Latilong: | |
| Elevation: | |
| Distance to bird: | 30 feet |
| Optical equipment: | Nikon Venturer 8x32 |
| Weather: | clear calm |
| Light Conditions: | excellent, the bird was front-lit with the morning sun |
| Detailed description of bird: |
Size of Bird: smaller than a Robin, larger than a house finch Basic Shape: slender bird, with a longish tail, typical flycatcher shape Overall Pattern: black back and chest with a white belly Bill Type: medium sized for a passerine, flatish on top and bottom, triangular on the sides, came to a sharp point on the end Bird Description: The bird was a typical black phoebe, blackish above and on the chest with a white belly. I didn't see any wing bars or any other distinguishing characteristics on the sides or back of the bird. |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | none |
| Behavior: | It sat on a tamarisk or willow over the water for a moment, wagged it's tail up and down, and then sallied out for an insect. It then flew away and down river. |
| Habitat: | Willow or tamarisk lined, slow-moving river. It sat only a few feet above the water |
| Similar
species and how were they eliminated: |
Say's Phoebe was eliminated because of lack of any reddish or orangish tones. Eastern Phoebe was eliminated because of the strong black and white pattern and the black coming down into the chest. Eastern phoebe would have no black. a Slate-colored Junco was eliminated by the length of the bird, it's behavior, more slender shape, it's dark, non-conical bill etc.. |
| Previous experience with this & similar species: | I have seen several dozen black phoebes on numerous occasions in southern utah and arizona |
| References consulted: | Sibley guide to birds and National geographic guide |
| Description from: | From memory |
| Observer: | Darren Clark |
| Observer's address: | 114 Elm Avenue, Rexburg, ID 83440 |
| Observer's e-mail address: | clarkd@byui.edu |
| Other
observers who independently identified this bird: |
|
| Date prepared: | April 7, 2005 (General Public) |
| Additional material: | |
| Additional comments: | Though a common bird in extreme southwestern utah, this bird was north of its normal range. |