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.

1. English and Scientific names: Green-tailed Towhee, Pipilo chlorurus

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

1, adult-like plumage

3. Locality: Parish:   Vermilion Parish

   Specific Locality: Joe Rd., 6.5 mi SW Kaplan, LA

4. Date(s) when observed: 28 Dec 2011

5. Time(s) of day when observed: 12:10 pm

6. Reporting observer and address: Erik I. Johnson, 102 Goodwood Cir., Lafayette, LA 70508

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

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): partly overcast mid-day even light

10. Optical equipment (type, power, condition): 10 x 42 Swarovski EL binoculars

11. Distance to bird(s): 15 to 25 meters

12. Duration of observation: We watched it off and on for about 5 minutes

13. Habitat: hedgerow in agricultural landscape

14. Behavior of bird / circumstances of observation (flying, feeding, resting; include and stress habits used in identification; relate events surrounding observation): Responded to screech-owl mob, perching up in shrubs and farm equipment.  Was being chased by a second bird, perhaps a 2nd Green-tailed Towhee, but we could never see two birds simultaneously or determine if this bird chasing the visible was a White-crowned Sparrow or other large sparrow.

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): Large sparrow with rufous crown, white throat and malar broken by blackish line, olive green wings and tail, otherwise largely gray.

16. Voice: not heard

17. Similar species (include how they were eliminated by your observation): Olive Sparrow without rufous crown, Swamp Sparrow without olive-green tones, Rufous-crowned Sparrow has eyeline and gray throat.

18. Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom? attached?): None.

 

 

19. Previous experience with this species: 4th bird seen in LA this December, including one early in the morning.  Also seen once in AZ 15+ years ago.

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

a. at time of observation: none

b. after observation: Sibley Guide to North American Birds

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

 

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

23. Date: 14 Jan 2012     Time: 10:15pm

24. May the LBRC have permission to display this report or
portions of this report on its website? _YES

If yes, may we include your name with the report? __YES

 

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