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.

English and Scientific names: Great Kiskadee, Pitangus sulphuratus

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

Parish: Cameron

Specific Locality: Maggie Hebert Rd, approx 700 m SE of jct w/ LA 390; OR approx 3 km WSW of LA 27 x LA 390 jct in Hackberry

Date(s) when observed: 21 December 2010

Time(s) of day when observed: 0900

Reporting observer and address: Robert C. Dobbs

LaVerkin, UT

Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s): Meribeth Huizinga

Other observers who independently identified the bird(s): Matt Pontiff et al. discovered/identified the birds during the Sabine CBC, 19 December 2010

Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light): Birds perched in crowns of small trees, against overcast sky

Optical equipment (type, power, condition): Swarovski 8x30 binoculars

Distance to bird(s): 30 m

Duration of observation: 3 min

Habitat: Forested ridge in marsh/pastureland landscape

Behavior of bird / circumstances of observation (flying, feeding, resting; include and stress habits used in identification; relate events surrounding observation): The two birds responded strongly to (brief) playback of Great Kiskadee vocalizations, approached to approximately 30 m distance, perched in, and sang/called from, crowns of several small trees near gap in canopy created by Maggie Hebert Rd.

Description (include only what was actually seen, not what "should" have been seen; include if possible: Large, bulky tyrannid (similar to Northern Mockingbird in size, but bulkier… direct comparison when mockingbird displaced/chased kiskadee); black and white striped head (black crown, broad white eyebrow, black band through eye/auriculars, white throat); heavy black bill; yellow underparts.

Voice: Classic loud “kisk-a-dee” song and squealing “weee” call

Similar species (include how they were eliminated by your observation): Superficially similar Social Flycatcher, which has occurred in Texas, is smaller billed and has different vocalizations. Vocalizations also eliminate other, less likely, contenders (e.g., Boat-billed Flycatcher).

Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom? attached?): Photo by Robert C. Dobbs (attached)

Previous experience with this species: Extensive experience with Great Kiskadee (and similar species) in Mexico, Central America, and South America, where it is generally a common and conspicuous species near streams, rivers, and wetlands.

Identification aids: (list books, illustrations, other birders, etc. used in identification): None needed--plumage pattern and vocalizations diagnostic.

This description is written from: Memory, and photo.

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

Date/Time: 17 January 2011, 1414 MST