LOUISIANA BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE

REPORT FORM

1. English and Scientific names: Fork-tailed Flycatcher. Tyrannus savana

2. Number of individuals, sexes, ages, general plumage (e.g., 2 in alternate plumage): One individual, sex and age unknown. Tail was not full length.

3. Locality: Parish: Jefferson Parish__________________________________________

Specific Locality: Observation 1) 29°14'39" N 89°58'46" W in open field at intersection of Willow and Orleans streets, Grand Isle, LA;

Observation 2) 29°14'36" N 89°58'47" W in mulberry tree near Willow and Orleans streets, Grand Isle, LA

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4. Date(s) when observed: 4/21/2013

5. Time(s) of day when observed: Observation 1) 12:46pm; Observation 2) 1:26pm

6. Reporting observer and address: Patricia Rosel, Lafayette, LA

7. Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s): Scott France

8. Other observers who independently identified the bird(s):

9. Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light): Sunny day, bird was in full sun

10. Optical equipment (type, power, condition): 10x42 binoculars

11. Distance to bird(s): Observation 1) 50 feet; Observation 2) 20 feet

12. Duration of observation: Observation 1) ~15 minutes; Observation 2) ~10 minutes

13. Habitat: Observation 1) open field, sitting at top of a bush on a dead branch; Observation 2) in a mulberry tree

14. Behavior of bird / circumstances of observation (flying, feeding, resting; include and stress habits used in identification; relate events surrounding observation): In our first observation, the bird appeared to be feeding- flying from and open perch down towards the ground (where we could not see it due to a berm on the side of the road) and then reappearing on the same or a nearby perch. 2nd observation- bird was just sitting.

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): This bird had a dark cap, white underparts, gray back, darker wings. Its tail was in some disarray and not full length. Very faint crown stripe- almost looks like there are two stripes in the photos.

16. Voice: We heard no vocalizations

17. Similar species (include how they were eliminated by your observation): There was an eastern kingbird in the same vicinity as our observation. Most obvious distinction was shorter, square tail with white border at bottom.

18. Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom? attached?): We attached two photos taken by ourselves.

19. Previous experience with this species: We have seen fork-tailed flycatchers in Trinidad

20. Identification aids: (list books, illustrations, other birders, etc. used in identification):

This bird had been reported in this area for several weeks prior to our visit, so we were looking specifically for it.

a. at time of observation: National Geographic Field Guide to Birds of North America

b. after observation: our photos and Sibley Guide to Birds

21. This description is written from: _____ notes made during the observation (_____notes attached?);_____notes made after the observation (date:_____); _XX_memory.

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

23. Date: 5/4/2013___Time:__6:37pm_____