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): 2, apparent adults

3. Locality: Parish: Cameron

Specific Locality: End of Coastal Club Road (Hwy 384)

4. Date(s) when observed: 18 December, 2011

5. Time(s) of day when observed: 8:30-8:40 a.m.

6. Reporting observer and address:

Phillip Wallace

New Orleans, LA 70125

7. Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s): David Muth discovered the first bird; Wallace discovered the second.

8. Other observers who independently identified the bird(s): Marty Guidry saw them later on 18 December.

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

10. Optical equipment (type, power, condition): Eagle 10x40 binoculars

11. Distance to bird(s): 5-15 meters

12. Duration of observation: 10 minutes

13. Habitat: Scrubby field adjacent to abandoned house

14. Behavior of bird / circumstances of observation (flying, feeding, resting; include and stress habits used in identification; relate events surrounding observation): First bird with large, mixed sparrow flock (White-throated and White-crowned, etc.) popped up in response to E. Screech Owl call. Second bird responded to GT Towhee tape. Both birds were agitated and called in response.

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 conspicuous reddish, rusty crown and gray face. The white throat, outlined by black moustache and dark lower border, was conspicuous. There was also white between the moustache and the gray face. The wings and long tail were olive green and the underparts were dark gray.

16. Voice: Birds vocalized repeatedly, giving the me-eee call, a doink call, and something similar to the EATO “Drink your tea” call.

17. Similar species (include how they were eliminated by your observation): The combination of throat pattern, crown color, and greenish upper parts eliminate all ID contenders.

18. Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom? attached?): Stills from video by Wallace accompany this report. Video with vocalizations will be submitted to the LBRC.

19. Previous experience with this species: I’ve seen once before in LA and several times out west.

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

a. at time of observation: None

b. after observation: Rising’s Sparrows

21. This description is written from: x notes made after the observation (date: 18/12/11) and from video

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

23. Date: 23 January, 2012 Time: 6:00 p.m.