LOUISIANA BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE
REPORT FORM
This form is intended as a convenience in reporting observations of species on the Louisiana Bird Records Committee (LBRC) Review List. The LBRC recommends the use of this form or a similar format when submitting records for review (to assure that all pertinent information is accounted for). Attach additional pages as necessary. Please print or type. Attach xerox of field notes, drawings, photographs, or tape recordings, if available. Include all photos for more obscurely marked species. When completed, mail to Secretary, Louisiana Bird Records Committee, c/o Museum of Natural Science, 119 Foster Hall, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803-3216.
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English and Scientific names: Black-headed Grosbeak |
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Number of individuals, sexes, ages, general plumage (e.g.,
2 in alternate plumage): 1 |
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Parish: Lafayette |
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Specific Locality: Deer Park Trail, Riverwoods Subdivision, 3.1km NNE Milton, LA |
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Date(s) when observed: 28 Dec 2010 and 6 Jan 2011 |
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Time(s) of day when observed: 1400 and 1100 |
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Reporting observer and address: Erik I. Johnson, 102 Goodwood Cir., Lafayette, LA |
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Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified
the bird(s): Toddy Guidry and Marc Broussard (28 Dec 2010), but none on
the second trip |
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Other observers who independently identified the
bird(s): none |
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Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade
and to direction and amount of light): both days partially overcast, giving
even mid-day light |
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Optical equipment (type, power, condition): Swarovski
10x42 EL |
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Distance to bird(s): 20 m |
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Duration of observation: 5-10 min |
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Habitat: residential/disturbed shrubby patch with
scattered oak, pecan, and cultivated trees |
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Behavior of bird / circumstances of observation (flying,
feeding, resting; include and stress habits used in identification; relate
events surrounding observation): Foraging high in shrubs, moving from limb to
limb |
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Description (include only what was actually seen, not
what "should" have been seen; include if possible: adult male,
basic plumage; bright orange chest, belly and nape with mostly black and
mottled orange face; bold white spots on wings, gray/brown streaking on back |
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Voice: not heard |
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Similar species (include how they were eliminated by your
observation): Ad male Black-headed Grosbeak unlike any plumage of
Rose-breasted Grosbeak; more superficially like American Robin or oriole, but
with bold white wing spots and heavy conical bill |
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Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom?
attached?): no |
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Previous experience with this species: none in this
plumage (although I have seen an immature/female-type once), but this plumage
is much less difficult to ID |
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Identification aids: (list books, illustrations, other
birders, etc. used in identification): Sibley during |
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This description is written from: Notes made that evening (28 Dec 2010) |
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Are you positive of your identification if not, explain: Yes, although female/immature Pheucticus could pose an ID problem, this ad male is distinctive |
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Date/Time: 26 Jan 2011, 1110 |
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