1. English and Scientific names:             


Green-tailed Towhee, Pipilo chlorurus

 

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

 

One individual, presumed adult.

 

  1. Locality: LOUISIANA: (parish) (specific locality)

 

Rapides Parish, Elbow Slough Wildlife Management Area located on south side of LA 3170 approximately 0.25 miles west of intersection with LA 1. Bird was in grown up field on south side of main impoundment at WMA in SW area within 10 yards of the impoundment drain structure.

 

  1. 4. Date(s) when observed:

 

November 7, 2011

 

  1. Time(s) of day when observed:

 

Between approximately 9:53 AM CST and 10:05 AM CST.

 

  1. Reporting observer and address:

 

Jay V. Huner

Boyce, LA 71409

 

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

 

None

 

  1. Other observers who Independently identified the bird(s):

 

None

 

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

 

Light shade. Facing east from levee toward fence-tree line. Sky was partly cloudy.

 

 

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

 

Zeiss 10 x 40 binoculars.

 

  1. Distance to bird(s):

 

Approximately 10 yards.

 

  1. Duration of Observation:

 

I saw the bird three times for periods of 1-2 minutes over a period of approximately 13 minutes.

 

  1. Habitat:

 

The bird came out of heavy brush from a field that appeared to be in the 5+ year stage of old field succession. A fence separated the brush from a tree line, mostly 50-60’ willow at base of low levee. I would suppose that the field is in some form of NRCS conservation easement.

 

  1. Behavior of bird/circumstances of observations (flying, feeding, resting; including and stress habits in identification: relate events surrounding observation):

 

At first, I heard a singing White-throated Sparrow in the brush but then heard an unfamiliar trill. The habitat seemed to be appropriate for towhees so I played Green-tailed Towhee on my BirdJam. The bird appeared almost immediately at the edge of the brush at the fence. It flitted about from ground level to about 10’ above the ground in the brush stopping from time to time. I stopped the BirdJam and then heard a schree call note similar to that on the BirdJam. I played the song again and the bird reappeared and I was able to get a picture or two. I stopped the BirdJam and waited a bit. The bird continued the schree call note. I played the song one last time and the bird darted out of the brush into view permitting me to take some more pictures. I stopped the BirdJam and left the area to stop continued disturbance of the bird. Note: There might have been two birds.

 

 

  1. 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 looked like an olive colored sparrow. I noticed a reddish crown, distinct, partitioned white face, greenish shoulder, and greenish-yellow under tail.

 

  1. Voice:

 

The bird did not sing, per se. I noticed an odd trill, and, after the bird appeared and retreated, I heard a distinct schree call note. Both trill and call note were consistent with portions of BirdJam song.

 

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

 

I don’t know of any similar species with which this bird could be confused.

 

  1. Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom? Attached”):

 

I got one “good” image and it plus images of the habitat have been sent to Paul Conover and Steve Cardiff.

 

  1. Previous experience with this species:

 

I saw Green-tailed Towhees on 2 occasions in April 2011 in California and 3 occasions in September 2011 also in California.

 

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

 

    1. at time of observation: Image on BirdJam

 

    1. after observation: Sibley Field Guide and National Geographic Field Guide.

 

  1. This description is written from: _x_notes made during the observation (notes attached?); _x_ note made after the observation (date: ______); _x_ memory.

 

9:53 AM CST. Brush behind drain on E side impoundment. GT Towhee Reddish crown – white in front of eye. Greenish shoulder. Greenish tail. Under tail. Scree call note. Maybe 2 [birds]. 3-4 minutes. Had trill not right for WTSP. Seen 3 times. Last 10:05 AM.

 

  1. Are you positive of your identification? If not, explain. Yes.

 

  1. Signature of reporter ___signed Jay V. Huner___ date 11-07-2011 time 9:15 PM