LOUISIANA BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE

REPORT FORM

     This form is intended as a convenience in reporting observations of species on the Louisiana Bird Records Committee (LBRC) Review List. The LBRC recommends the use of this form or a similar format when submitting records for review (to assure that all pertinent information is accounted for). Attach additional pages as necessary. Please print or type. Attach xerox of field notes, drawings, photographs, or tape recordings, if available. Include all photos for more obscurely marked species. When completed, mail to Secretary, Louisiana Bird Records Committee, c/o Museum of Natural Science, 119 Foster Hall, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803-3216.

1. English and Scientific names: Black-headed Grosbeak, Pheucticas melanocephalus

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

3. Locality: LOUISIANA: (parish) _Orleans___________________________________________

Specific Locality: ____Couturie Forest, city Park_____________________________________________________

4. Date(s) when observed: April 12, 2011

5. Time(s) of day when observed: 5:30 pm

6. Reporting observer and address: David P. Muth

7. Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s): none

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

9. Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light): light was ok, but near sunset

10. Optical equipment (type, power, condition): Eagle Optics Platinum Ranger 10x40

11. Distance to bird(s): 50-100 feet

12. Duration of observation: 1-2 minutes

13. Habitat: Deciduos woodland, urban park

14. Behavior of bird / circumstances of observation (flying, feeding, resting; include and stress habits used in identification; relate events surrounding observation): In mixed species flock with other migrants, RBGR, INBU, OROR, etc.

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): A grosbeak with burnished orange chest, throat, collar and rump; black cap and face; black wings with prominent white markings on greater and median coverts, white patch in primaries; black tail.

16. Voice: it gave the “pik” call, which I was able to compare to the more complicated call of a RBGR also in the flock.

17. Similar species (include how they were eliminated by your observation): none, really; adult male unmistakable when seen well.

18. Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom? attached?): Yes, attached

19. Previous experience with this species: fairly extensive

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—and examination of photos___memory.

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

23. Signature of reporter: ______________________________Date:___July 10, 2011_______Time:_______

24. May the LBRC have permission to display this report or
portions of this report on its webite? _____y___________________

If yes, may we include your name with the report? ______y____________

Return to LBRC Page