LOUISIANA BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE
REPORT FORM
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1. English and Scientific names: Spotted Towhee, Pipilo maculatus |
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2. Number of individuals, sexes, ages, general plumage
(e.g., 2 in alternate plumage): |
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3. Locality: The Bluffs Parish: _West
Feliciana________________________________ |
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Specific
Locality: Near the western end of the paved trail associated with The Bluffs
community_______________________________________________ |
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4. Date(s) when observed: Feb. 11, 2012 |
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5. Time(s) of day when observed: 3:00 p.m. |
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6. Reporting observer and address: David J. Ringer, Baton
Rouge, LA (djringer@gmail.com) |
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7. Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified
the bird(s): Melanie Driscoll |
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8. Other observers who independently identified the
bird(s): |
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9. Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade
and to direction and amount of light): sunny – good light on bird |
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10. Optical equipment (type, power, condition): 10x
binoculars |
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11. Distance to bird(s): 25 feet |
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12. Duration of observation: Two brief observations about
an hour apart. |
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13. Habitat: understory of second-growth forest |
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14. Behavior of bird / circumstances of observation
(flying, feeding, resting; include and stress habits used in identification;
relate events surrounding observation): skulking low in understory – popped
up briefly twice, once in response to playback of SPTO call |
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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): An
obvious rufous-sided type towhee. Upperparts, head,
and upper breast a cold grayish brown, very different from the warm
milk-chocolate brown of female EATO. Extensive white spotting on wing coverts. |
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16. Voice: did not vocalize but popped up in response to
SPTO call |
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17. Similar species (include how they were eliminated by
your observation): Female-type EATO should be much warmer, richer brown and
would not have extensive white spotting on the wing coverts. |
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18. Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom?
attached?): None |
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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. |
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20. Identification aids: (list books, illustrations, other
birders, etc. used in identification): |
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a. at time of observation: |
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b. after observation: |
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21. This description is written from: _____ notes made
during the observation (_____notes attached?);_____notes
made after the observation (date:_____); __X___memory. |
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22. Are you positive of your identification if not,
explain: Yes |
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23. Date:_Feb. 19, 2012_________Time:_10:00
p.m.______ |
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