LOUISIANA BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE

REPORT FORM

1. English and Scientific names: Great Kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus)

2. Number of individuals, sexes, ages, general plumage: 1 adult

3. Locality: Parish: _Jefferson Davis_________________________________

Specific Locality: _Niblett Road ca. 2.2mi W of Niblett Rd X LA 99______

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

5. Time(s) of day when observed: 11:50am and 12:30pm

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, Jeff Harris, Eric Liffman

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): overcast skies; bright/diffuse light (no glare/shadows)

10. Optical equipment (type, power, condition): 10x50 Leica bins

11. Distance to bird(s): 25-50'

12. Duration of observation: 3 minutes total

13. Habitat: Brushy roadside lined with shade trees and shallow/wooded canal.

14. Behavior of bird / circumstances of observation: Initially observed quietly perched in a shade tree behind dense/brushy roadside, and over canal/ditch. On later occasions, it would vocally answer digital playbacks of its song/call, and fly up to and perch near to the playback.

15. Description: This is a bird that was initially observed some weeks before the 16 Dec 11 Lacassine-Thornwell CBC (when we observed it). A stocky, robin-sized flycatcher with relatively short, rounded wings and tail. Strong and direct in flight. Bright cinnamon-brown remidges; brownish back; white face/neck/throat “banded” by blackish crown and thick, blackish eyeline extending from lores through eyes to nape; bright canary-yellow breast, belly, undertail, underwings; straight, heavy, black bill matching the black of the facial stripe and crown; dark legs.

16. Voice: On a few occasions gave the typical “Kiskadee” song, along with random short “grrrrt” and squeal-like “weee” calls.

17. Similar species: Boat-billed Fly has an almost obtusely-wider bill base and dull brown remidges; Social Flycatcher smaller w/relatively small bill and more delicate features.

18. Photographs or tape recordings obtained? Molly Richard (molly@LUSfiber.net) and Walker Wilson (forstwalkr@yahoo.com) both obtained photos.

19. Previous experience with this species: Three in LA, a dozen or so in TX.

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 2011).

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

23. Date:_24 Dec 2011_Time:_12:33pm______