|
English
and Scientific names: |
Gray Kingbird (Tyrannus
dominicensis)
|
|
Number
of individuals: |
1 adult |
|
Locality:
LOUISIANA: |
Terrebonne
|
|
Specific
Locality: |
California Canal, Trinity Island, Isles Dernieres |
|
Date(s)
when observed: |
25 May 2008 |
|
Time(s)
of day when observed: |
~9:50-10:00 AM CDT |
|
Reporting
observer and address: |
Justin Bosler
Lancaster, PA 17601 |
|
Other observers accompanying
reporter who also identified the bird(s): |
Edward J. Raynor |
|
Other observers who
independently identified the bird(s) |
None |
|
Light conditions
(position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light): |
Excellent light conditions with sun directly overhead. |
|
Optical
equipment: |
Zeiss Victory FL 8x42 binocular (good condition) |
|
Distance
to bird(s): |
Within 8-10 meters at closest point. |
|
Duration
of observation: |
Approximately 10 minutes. |
|
Habitat:
|
A small sliver of coastal scrub-woods dominated by black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) along a saline canal on a large barrier island. |
|
Behavior
of bird: |
Actively fly-catching from high, exposed perches in the tree line on the N side of the California Canal. Often sallying out for large aerial arthropods and returning to the same or an adjacent perch. Large prey items bashed against hard surface to kill before consumption. All typical kingbird behavior. |
|
Description: |
A large flycatcher patterned with medium gray above and whitish below. A faint grayish wash was noticeable on the breast and sides as was some dull, pale yellow on the lower belly and undertail coverts. A dark brownish tinge to upperwings and tail with pale-edged upperwing coverts and secondaries. Long, dark gray-brown tail was notched. Large head was well-marked with a blackish mask and massive black bill. |
|
Voice: |
Remained silent. |
|
Similar species: |
Most kingbirds can be eliminated by the medium gray upperparts and whitish underparts. Much paler above than Eastern Kingbird (EAKI) with more robust structure, dark mask, and massive bill. Further eliminating EAKI is the long, notched tail lacking a white terminal tail band. |
|
Photographs or tape recordings
obtained? |
Photos by Justin Bosler and attached. |
|
Previous experience with
this species: |
Seen on several occasions in coastal and s. FL, but also once in se. PA (1st state record) and twice in se. LA. |
|
Identification
aids: |
None |
|
This
description is written from: |
notes made after the observation and from memory. |
|
Are you positive of your
identification? If not, explain: |
Yes, 100% positive. |
|
Reporter:
|
Justin Bosler |
|
Date
and time: |
26 September 2008 6:30 PM EDT |