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:Green-tailed Towhee (Pipilo chlorurus)

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

3. Locality: Parish: Jefferson Davis____________________________________

Specific Locality: Niblett Road, ca. 2.25mi W of Niblett Rd. X LA 99______

4. Date(s) when observed: 16 November 2011

5. Time(s) of day when observed: ca. 12:30 pm

6. Reporting observer and address: Bill Fontenot, Carencro, LA 70520

7. Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s): Bill Vermillion, Molly Richard, Patti Holland, Walker Wilson, Heather Mancuso, Jacob Saucier, Chris Brantley, Jeff Harris

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

9. Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light): excellent; totally overcast sky = bright, diffuse light (no glare/shadows)

10. Optical equipment (type, power, condition): Leica 10X50 bins

11. Distance to bird(s): 25'

12. Duration of observation: 5 minutes, total

13. Habitat: Dense, woody/viney/brushpile hedge row-type roadside

14. Behavior of bird / circumstances of observation (flying, feeding, resting; include and stress habits used in identification; relate events surrounding observation): Responded vocally to digital playback of the species' call note, then ascended from low in a shrub thicket, to a perch about 10' in height; consumed a catbrier (Smilax. sp.) fruit while perched high.

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): This bird was first discovered some weeks before the 16 Dec 2011 Lacassine-Thornwell CBC (when we rediscovered it); similar in structure to accompanying White-throated Sparrows, but larger and longer-tailed; gray body and face, with dark conical bill and legs, and dark-reddish crown; white throat and lore spot contrasted brightly against gray face, breast, neck, and blackish malar mark; folded remidges gray w/bright citrine/yellow edging(?).

16. Voice: fairly high-pitched “whiny” mewwwwwww.

17. Similar species (include how they were eliminated by your observation): No other species likely to be confused with this species in adult plumage.

18. Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom? Attached?): Photographed by Walker Wilson (forstwalkr@yahoo.com)

19. Previous experience with this species: very little (TX); none in LA

20. Identification aids: (list books, illustrations, other birders, etc. used in identification):

a. at time of observation:

b. after observation: Sibley Guide to Birds

21. This description is written from: _____ notes made during the observation (_____notes attached?);___X__notes made after the observation (date: 24 Dec 11_____); _____memory.

22. Are you positive of your identification if not, explain: 100% positive

23. Date:_24 Dec 2011_________Time:___11:58am____