|
English
and Scientific names: |
Black-whiskered Vireo (Vireo altiloquus)
|
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Number
of individuals: |
1 fresh spring adult |
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Locality:
LOUISIANA: |
Jefferson
|
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Specific
Locality: |
TNC Grilletta Tract (Lafitte Woods), Grand Isle |
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Date(s)
when observed: |
20 April 2008 |
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Time(s)
of day when observed: |
7:45-8:15 AM CDT |
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Reporting
observer and address: |
Justin Bosler, Lancaster, PA |
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Other observers
accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s): |
Devin Bosler and E.J. Raynor |
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Other observers who independently
identified the bird(s) |
Steven W. Cardiff and Donna L. Dittmann |
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Light conditions
(position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light): |
Excellent morning light with the bird viewed in both shaded and well-lit conditions. |
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Optical
equipment: |
Zeiss Victory FL 8x42 (excellent condition) |
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Distance
to bird(s): |
Within 2 meters at closest point. |
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Duration
of observation: |
Approximately 30 minutes. |
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Habitat:
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Early successional patch of mature, coastal woodlot with sugarberries, mulberries, honey locusts, and live oaks. |
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Behavior
of bird: |
The vireo was actively foraging on mulberries in the large red mulberry close to the parking area where it was found on 19 Apr by SWC and DLD. It actually had pinkish stains on its breast and belly from the juicy mulberries. Despite its obvious appetite for mulberries, it spent a greater percentage of time foraging for insects in the low, weedy brush. |
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Description: |
A ‘red-eyed’-type vireo w/ dull olive-green upperparts and pale underparts. Upperparts appeared more dingy, or grayish-brown than accompanying Red-eyed Vireos. Sides, flanks, and undertail coverts showed a slight yellow wash typical of fresh spring plumage. Bold, white supercilium (eyebrow) bordered by a black loral stripe (extending through postocular) below and a silvery gray crown above. Dark malar stripes were indistinct but noticeable at close range. The bill appeared largish. |
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Voice: |
The vireo was silent while foraging. |
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Similar species: |
Most vireos can be eliminated by the bold, white supercilium; blackish lateral crown stripes and eyeline bordering supercilium; and silvery gray cap. The superficially similar Red-eyed Vireo can be eliminated by the duskier upperparts, dark malar stripes, and slightly larger and paler bill. |
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Photographs or tape
recordings obtained? |
Photos obtained by Justin Bosler and attached. |
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Previous experience with
this species: |
Roughly a dozen seen between Key Largo, Key West, and Sanibel Is., FL with two prior observations in LA. |
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Identification
aids: |
None |
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This
description is written from: |
notes made after the observation and memory. |
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Are you positive of your
identification? If not, explain: |
Yes, 100% positive. |
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Reporter:
|
Justin Bosler |
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Date
and time: |
14 September 2008 2:10 AM EDT |