Louisiana Ornithological Society’s

Louisiana Bird Records Committee

Report Form

 

 

  1. English and Scientific names:

 

Brown-crested Flycatcher, Myiarcus tyrannulus

 

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

 

One

 

  1. Locality: LOUISIANA: (parish) (specific locality)

 

Plaquemines Parish near Diamond off LA 23 in tallow tree dominated “forest” immediately south of the recreation area on River Road.

 

  1. Date(s) when observed:

 

December 29, 2012

 

  1. Time(s) of day when observed:

 

Heard only around 11:15 AM CST.

 

  1. Reporting observer and address:

 

Jay V. Huner

428 Hickory Hill Drive

Boyce, LA 71409

 

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

 

None.

 

  1. Other observers who Independently identified the bird(s):

 

Phillip Wallace had reported both seeing and hearing a Brown-crested Flycatcher at the site two days before my visit to the site.

 

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

 

Bird was not seen. Heard only.

 

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

 

Bird was not seen. Heard only.

 

  1. Distance to bird(s):

 

Probably within 30-40’.

 

  1. Duration of Observation:

 

I heard the bird responding to BirdJam playback over a period of about 5 minutes.

 

  1. Habitat:

 

Dense “forest” of tallow trees roughly 25-30’ tall. Considerable growth of briars around edge of forest.

 

  1. Behavior of bird/circumstances of observations (flying, feeding, resting; including and stress habits in identification: relate events surrounding observation):

 

 

 

  1. 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):

 

Heard only – see below.

 

  1. Voice:

 

I heard a “whit” at the cadence similar to that of BirdJam. It was cold and overcast with strong, gusting NE wind. I suspect that I simply could not hear other components of the bird’s call/song IF they were being made. I was in a pipeline right of way playing playback when I first heard the response and moved closer to the location and the bird responded there as well.

 

 

  1. Similar species (include how they were eliminated by your observation):

 

I clearly understand that the Myiarchus spp. complex is one that is one that is difficult to separate to species. I don’t think the bird was an Ash-throated Flycatcher because the call is very different. Same for Great Crested Flycatcher.

 

 

 

  1. Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom? Attached”):

 

None

 

  1. Previous experience with this species:

 

I have seen and heard Brown-crested Flycatcher on several occasions in Texas, Arizona, and California. The sightings in Arizona and California were on commercial birding trips with trained guides who assisted participants in identifying the birds.

 

  1. Identification aids: (list books, illustrations, other birders, etc. used in identification):
    1. at time of observation: BirdJam
    2. after observation: Sibley’s Field Guide and National Geographic Field Guide.

 

  1. This description is written from: _x_notes made during the observation (notes attached?); ___note made after the observation (date: ______); __x_ memory.

 

Heard BC Flycatcher at Daimond (approximately 11:15 AM CST). Heard whit call over course of about 5 minutes. Was in heavy cover – mostly tallow trees. Some briars. Playde call in ROW about 100 yards from River Road. Bird calling from cover on S side of ROW about 25 yards closer to River Road. Could hear occasional squeal. Never sw bird. Tried several times to get bird to call again but w/o success before leaving at Noon.

 

  1. Are you positive of your identification? If not, explain.

 

Yes – Please see discussion – 17. Similar Species, above.

 

  1. Signature of reporter ___signed Jay V. Huner___ date 01-16-2013 time _ 8:15 AM_