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.

English and Scientific names:  Couch's Kingbird, Tyrannus couchii

 

Number of individuals, sexes, ages, general plumage (e.g., 2 in alternate plumage): One, Male

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Parish: Rapides

 

Specific Locality: Pond located on east side of Messina Road approximately one mile south of the intersection of Messina Road and La 28 W.

 

Date(s) when observed: February 22, 2011

 

Time(s) of day when observed: Approximately 2:15 PM CST.

 

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Reporting observer and address: Jay V. Huner
Boyce, LA

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

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Other observers who independently identified the bird(s): Presumably D. Bosler and J. Bosler

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Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light): Mid afternoon, light wind, clear sky, sun over shoulder.

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Optical equipment (type, power, condition): 10 x 40 Zeiss Binoculars

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Distance to bird(s): When first observed, about 30 yards. Later about 100 yards.

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Duration of observation: Approximately 15 minutes.

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Habitat: 20-25 acre pond in piney woods surrounded by riparian trees and brush. Pond itself had numerous cypress trees in it.

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Behavior of bird / circumstances of observation (flying, feeding, resting; include and stress habits used in identification; relate events surrounding observation): Upon arrival, bird could not be seen. However, upon playing of song, bird flew from cypress trees about 100 yards from shore to a tree about 30 yards from the observers. It immediately began to counter sing. It remained in the riparian area about 5 minutes and flew back to the distant cypress trees settling near the tops and was observed fly catching for 10-15 minutes before observers left.

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Description (include only what was actually seen, not what "should" have been seen; include if possible: Tyrant flycatcher with gray back, black eye brow, white throat and resonably bright yellow breast. In general, bird looked like other tyrant flycatchers so distinction from other species based on song and response to song.

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Voice: Voice identical to the bird jam call played by S. Shively.

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Similar species (include how they were eliminated by your observation): Separated by virtue of response to birdjam song and its counter singing.

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Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom? attached?): Photographs previously submitted by S. Shively. I sent photographs to P. Conover on 7 March 2011.

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Previous experience with this species: Previously seen this species on west side of Lafayette Parish in early 2010.

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Identification aids: (list books, illustrations, other birders, etc. used in identification): Audubon Field Guide and Sibley Field Guide. S. Shively.

 

This description is written from: Notes and memory.

 

Are you positive of your identification if not, explain: Yes.

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Date/Time: 8 March 2011, 10:50 AM.

 

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