LOUISIANA BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE

REPORT FORM

1. English and Scientific names: Gray Kingbird (Tyrannus dominicensis)

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

1, likely an adult

3. Locality: LOUISIANA: Jefferson Parish

Specific Locality: __ Grand Isle; Corner of Birch Lane and Orleans Avenue ___

4. Date(s) when observed:

27 April 2013

5. Time(s) of day when observed:

Dawn

6. Reporting observer and address:

Jacob C. Cooper

KU Natural History Museum

Dyche Hall

1345 Jayhawk Blvd.

Lawrence, KS 66045-7593

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

Van Remsen, Michael J. Hilferty

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

Multiple; complete list unknown

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

Bird was seen in multiple different positions allowing different levels of light; was seen from extremely backlit to being in perfect light for identification.

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

Kowa 10x42 Binoculars

11. Distance to bird(s):

Varied; as close as 3 meters to 40 meters or so

12. Duration of observation:

Unknown; saw the birds multiple times over the morning.

13. Habitat:

Residential with adjacent fields and marshy ditches.

14. Behavior of bird / circumstances of observation (flying, feeding, resting; include and stress habits used in identification; relate events surrounding observation):

Originally seen perched and called out by Van. Michael and I quickly got on the bird and obtained photographs. It was later seen foraging nearby with a flock of Eastern Kingbirds.

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):

The bird was a large Tyrannus, possessing a robust bill, grey mantle and light underside with a yellow wash towards the vent. The bird had a darker grey mask.

16. Voice:

Not noted.

17. Similar species (include how they were eliminated by your observation):

Eastern Kingbird was eliminated by smaller size, uniform eyeline and head coloration, and daintier bill. Photograph of direct comparison attached.

18. Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom? attached?):

Yes; two of the most diagnostic by myself are attached.

19. Previous experience with this species:

Seen only a few times in coastal Georgia before this encounter.

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

a. at time of observation:

Sibley Guide to Birds, the brain of Van Remsen

b. after observation:

N/A.

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

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

Yes. The bird was a continuing report and was seen extremely well.

23. Signature of reporter: __Jacob C. Cooper___Date:__5 December 2013_Time:_2:31 PM_