LOS LONG FORM

1. English and Scientific Names:

Tropical Kingbird, Tyrannus melancholicus

2. Number of individuals, sexes, ages, general plumage:

One, male

3. Locality: Louisiana (parish): / Specific Locality:

Plaquemines Parish, Braithwaite off LA 39, East Park Boulevard between LA 39 and Park Drive off levee on north side of subdivision.

4. Date(s) when observed:

March 11, 2011

5. Time(s) of day when observed:

Approximately 11:00 AM CST

6. Reporting observer and address:

Jay V. Huner, 428 Hickory Hill Drive, Boyce, LA 71409.

7. Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified bird(s):

Bruce Baird

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

Peter Yaukey

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

Late morning, light clouds, good views of bird in several directions in relation to ambient light.

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

Zeiss, 10 x 40 binoculars

11. Distance to bird(s):

Various 30 to 100 yards.

12. Duration of observation:

Approximately 15 minutes.

13. Habitat:

Open suburban area adjacent to levee and batture/riparian vegetation.

14. Behavior of bird ….:

Bird was first found in a bare tree adjacent to a home where it had been reported previously for several weeks. It was fly catching. As we approached it, it flew north across the levee into riparian vegetation. But, upon playing BirdJam, it moved from deeper in the trees – mostly willow – to a position within 30 yards and began to counter sing.

15. Description ….:

Western type kingbird with gray back and yellow belly. White throat. Strong bill with black eye line. Deeply indented tail.

16. Voice:

Identical to BirdJam call.

17. Similar species.

Other western-type kingbirds. Separated from Western and Cassin’s Kingbirds by indented tail. Separated from Couch’s Kingbird by response to song and counter singing.

18. Photographs or tape recording obtained? (by whom? Attached?):

Photographs sent to Paul Conover. No recordings of song.

19. Previous experience with species.

Seen/heard at least once in south Texas.