Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah

Rec. # O_2016-01


 
Photos
Common name:

Anna's Hummingbird

Scientific name: Calypte anna
Date: Dec. 4 - 8, 2015
Time: Various times during the 4-day period
Length of time observed: up to half an hour at a time during the time the bird was present
Number: 1
Age: Adult
Sex: Male
Location: Moab House, 290 West Center St.
County: Grand
Latilong: Lat:38.56'N Lon:109.55'W
Elevation: 4000 feet
Distance to bird: 10 - 15 feet
Optical equipment: binoculars, camera with 400 mm equivilent lens
Weather: clear to cloudy
Light Conditions: varied over time period
Description:        Size of bird: very small
(Description:)       Basic Shape: typical hummingbird form, fluffed up from cold
(Description:)  Overall Pattern: greenish
(Description:)            Bill Type: pointed
(Description:)                              
Field Marks and
Identifying Characteristics:
red crown and gorget, dark wings, green back, green upper tail coverts and green tail with dark tip. Upper grayish breast with pale green sides. Whitish eye ring with grayish eyebrow to nape of neck.
(see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery: fussy chipping
Behavior: mostly perched, darting out now and then
Habitat: neighborhood yard, perching in a crab apple tree and a willow tree. Feeders were placed around
Similar species and how
were they eliminated:
Eliminated Lucifer because of bill difference and green crown instead of red. Eliminated Ruby-throated because of green crown and white breast and no eyebrow. Eliminated Broad-tail because of green crown and rufous flanks.
Previous experience with
this & similar species:
All observers have seen Anna's Hummingbird in other locations/states. Familiarity with Ruby-throated and Broad-tail helped us eliminate them.
References consulted: Sibley's, Peterson's Western Guide, National Geographic
Description from: From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting
Observer: Marian Eason
Observer's address: 698 W 400 N, Moab, UT 84532
Observer's e-mail address: **
Other observers who independently identified this bird: Marcee Nettell, Andy Nettell, Gail Lea, Nick Eason, Donna Neunaker
Date prepared: 1/22/16
Additional material: Photos
Additional comments: