LOUISIANA BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE

REPORT FORM

1. English and Scientific names: Spotted Towhee, Pipilo maculatus

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

1 male

3. Locality: Oak Grove Parish: Cameron_____________________________

Specific Locality: Oak Grove Sanctuary_____________________________________

4. Date(s) when observed: February 5, 2012

5. Time(s) of day when observed: 11:00 a.m.

6. Reporting observer and address: David J. Ringer, Baton Rouge, LA

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

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): Overcast but fairly bright

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

11. Distance to bird(s): 50 meters

12. Duration of observation: Observed twice over a 20-30 minute period

13. Habitat: live oak grove

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

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): Clearly a rufous-sided type towhee; bright black upperparts indicated male. Extensive white spotting on wing coverts.

16. Voice: silent

17. Similar species (include how they were eliminated by your observation): Extensive white spotting on wing coverts (not just on tertials, as in EATO) and lack of conspicuous white base to primaries separated this bird from an Eastern Towhee.

18. Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom? attached?): Photographs by David J. Ringer. Attached.

19. Previous experience with this species: Quite a bit of field experience with this species in its regular breeding and wintering range. Also lots of experience with EATO.

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

a. at time of observation:

b. after observation:

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.

23. Date:_19 Feb 2012_________Time:_6:00 p.m.______