LOUISIANA
REPORT FORM
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1. English and Scientific names: Cinnamon Teal Anas cyanoptera |
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2. Number of individuals, sexes, ages, general plumage (e.g., 2 in alternate plumage): |
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1 adult in ‘breeding plumage’ |
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3. Locality: Vermilion Parish |
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Specific Locality: W. Bell Road, the western boundary of the old Vincent Refuge, about 3 miles N of Kaplan |
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4. Date(s) when observed: March 6, 2012 |
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5. Time(s) of day when observed: about 4 p.m. |
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6. Reporting observer and address: Paul Conover |
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7. Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s): |
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8. Other observers who independently identified the bird(s): |
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9. Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light): mostly sunny, bird to the east, afternoon light behind me and on bird |
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10. Optical equipment (type, power, condition): Zeiss 10s, Nikon Fieldscope 20-60, sony camcorder, Blackberry Torch cell phone cam |
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11. Distance to bird(s): Perhaps 100 yards |
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12. Duration of observation: about 20 minutes of viewing. |
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13. Habitat: flooded fields forming part of a large ag complex/quasi-refuge being used by several hundred ducks |
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14. Behavior of bird / circumstances of observation (flying, feeding, resting; include and stress habits used in identification; relate events surrounding observation): Bird was sleeping among a large flock of puddle ducks, mostly GW and BW Teal with N. Shovelers mixed in. After a few minutes, the bird roused and began to preen, then began to swim and feed in stubble. |
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15. Description (include only what was actually seen, not what "should" have been seen; include if possible: total length/relative size compared to other familiar species, body bulk, shape, proportions, bill, eye, leg, and plumage characteristics. Stress features that separate it from similar species): A small dabbling duck with overall rich reddish coloration, a red eye, and a markedly large and spatulate bill relative to nearby Blue-winged Teal. Reddish clearest and brightest on sides, darker and richer on face. Darker crown stripe and line down hindneck. Hind end black, tail feathers off-whitish. Mantle appeared dark grayish. Long lanceolate scapulars straw-colored. Underwings bright white. Upperwings with sky blue lesser and median coverts, and clear green speculum forming large inner wing patch. Legs bright yellow. |
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16. Voice: n/a |
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17. Similar species (include how they were eliminated by your observation): Only real possibility Cinnamon Teal hybrids. This individual was well-examined in good light and didn’t show any sign of being anything but a pure Cinnamon Teal. |
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18. Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom? attached?): yes |
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19. Previous experience with this species: Wide but scattered. I typically see one or two per year in Louisiana, and some on western vacations. |
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20. This description is written from observation |
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21. Are you positive of your identification if not, explain: yes |
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22. Date: 3/7/2012 |
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