LOUISIANA BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE

REPORT FORM

1. English and Scientific names: MacGillivray’s Warbler (Geothylpis tolmiei)

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

3. Locality: Parish: Plaquemines

Specific Locality: East Bank; Perez Rd. x Hwy 39

4. Date(s) when observed: 9 December 2012

5. Time(s) of day when observed: 9:15-9:30 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), Dan Purrington

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): Fair to good

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

11. Distance to bird(s): 5-10 m

12. Duration of observation: 2-3 minutes

13. Habitat: Side of road; hackberry, scrub

14. Behavior of bird / circumstances of observation (flying, feeding, resting; include and stress habits used in identification; relate events surrounding observation): Initially heard calling in response to Purrington’s screech owl imitation; skulking, but fairly accommodating for an “oporonis.” Loosely associated with BH Vireo, and gnatcatchers. Perched and flitting from branch to branch 2-12 ft. above the ground.

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): “Oporonis” with pale gray hood extending to upper breast; bright yellow underparts from gray breast to undertail coverts. Olive upperparts. Prominent white arcs above and below the eye. Whitish or pale gray throat. Black in the loral area and above the bill

16. Voice: Rich chip note that immediately caught Muth’s attention.

17. Similar species (include how they were eliminated by your observation): Clearly an “oporonis.” Eye crescents distinct enough to be diagnostic for the species.

18. Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom? attached?): Photos by Wallace accompany this report.

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

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

a. at time of observation:

b. after observation: Dunn and Garrett for sexing and aging.

21. This description is written from: Memory and photos.

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

23. Date: 26 December 2012 Time: 8:00 p.m.