English and Scientific names:

Black-headed Gosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

Number of individuals: 

one, 1st winter male

Locality: LOUISIANA

Cameron

Specific Locality:

Peveto Sanctuary near small water feature

Date(s) when observed:

29/Oct/2010

Time(s) of day when observed:  

11:40 am

Reporting observer and address:

Michael Musumeche 1621 Southwood Dr. New Iberia, LA 70560

Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s):

none, others at location identified it as a Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Other observers who independently identified the bird(s)

none

Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light):

excellent

Optical equipment: 

Swarovski 10x42

Distance to bird(s): 

From 10-20 meters

Duration of observation:

~5 minutes

Habitat: 

Brushy edge

Behavior of bird: 

Bird was actively flying about and drinking from water feature

Description:

Entire ventral surface orange brown, dorsally black with white wing bars, dark crown, white supercillium, dark face, white stripe below dark face, nape orangish.

Voice:

none noted

Similar species:

First winter Rose-breasted Grosbeak by unmarked orangish breast

Photographs or tape recordings obtained?

yes Michael Musumeche

Previous experience with this species: 

much in western U.S.

Identification aids:

none

This description is written from: 

memory

Are you positive of your identification? If not, explain: 

 

yes

Date and time: 

5/Nov/2010, 3:45 am