LOUISIANA BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE

REPORT FORM

     

1. English and Scientific names: Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus)

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

3. Locality: Parish:  Plaquemines

   Specific Locality: Braithwaite at Caernarvon outfall canal

4. Date(s) when observed: 9 December 2012; 24 February 2013

5. Time(s) of day when observed: 7:25-7:45 a.m.; 8:15-8:30 a.m.

6. Reporting observer and address: Phillip Wallace

                                                         4515 S. Prieur St.

                                                         New Orleans, LA 70125

7. Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s): David Muth and Dan Purrington on 9 December

8. Other observers who independently identified the bird(s): Several others

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

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

11. Distance to bird(s): 15-30 m; 10-20 m

12. Duration of observation: 20 minutes; 10 minutes

13. Habitat: Batture at edge of Caernarvon outfall canal adjacent to housing recently devastated by Hurricane Isaac. Willow, tallow scrub and open area on downriver side.

14. Behavior of bird / circumstances of observation (flying, feeding, resting; include and stress habits used in identification; relate events surrounding observation): Feeding, flycatching, perching in wire and in willow and flying to canal side of levee.

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): Yellow-bellied kingbird, with yellow from undertail coverts to upper breast, blending into olive band below pale throat. Gray upperparts with black auricular patch. Notched brown tail without white outer rectrices. In photos, P10 appears shorter than P5.

16. Voice: We heard the bird calling before we saw it. It was calling consistently, giving the characteristic twittering call of a TK.

17. Similar species (include how they were eliminated by your observation): The plumage eliminates all but Tropical and Couch’s and the call is diagnostic for Tropical. This is the 4th consecutive winter that Tropical Kingbird has wintered at this location.

18. Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom? attached?): Photos by Wallace accompany this report. Video of calling bird at https://www.dropbox.com/s/ij9d73niqut5qfs/Tropical%20Kingbird%202-24-13.wmv

19. Previous experience with this species: I’ve seen many in Panama and Costa Rica, as well as repeated experience with the birds at this location

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 shortly after the observation and my photos

 

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

23. Date: 26 December 2012     Time: 6:00 p.m.; revised report on 25 February 2013 at 8:30 p.m.