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English and Scientific names: |
Plumbeous
Vireo (Vireo
plumbeus)
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Number of individuals: |
1 |
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Locality: LOUISIANA: |
Grand Isle, Jefferson Parish |
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Specific Locality: |
Nature Conservancy Grilletta tract, north of main woods along ditch which marks the east edge of the property |
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Date(s) when observed: |
14 April 2007 |
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Time(s) of day when
observed: |
approximately 1 p.m. |
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Reporting observer and address: |
Robert D. Purrington |
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Other observers accompanying reporter who also
identified the bird |
none |
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Light
conditions (position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount
of light): |
cloudy, drizzle off and
on, but bird was at eye level and illuminated from behind the observer |
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Optical equipment: |
10X42 Zeiss |
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Distance to
bird(s): |
About 20 ft |
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Duration of
observation: |
Two minutes, more or
less. Was able to see it clearly, in the open, and from all sides as it
fed. I terminated the observation to go get a camera. |
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Habitat: |
Understory under line of live oaks, consisting mainly of oak branches, etc., which fell during Katrina and Rita |
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Behavior of bird: |
Actively feeding, seemingly moving northward along line of oaks |
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Description: |
"Solitary-type" vireo, with fairly heavy vireo-type bill, prominent and clean white spectacles, and white wing bars. The upper parts of the bird were gray to gray-brown, with zero contrast between the cap and nape or back. The line of demarcation between the gray of the head and the very white throat was very distinct and crisp. No yellow or buff on sides. Interestingly, the bird had a diffuse yellow rump patch that could have been pollen or some other agent, but seemed to be part of the plumage. I have no idea whether this has any significance at all. |
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Voice: |
Did not vocalize |
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Similar
species: |
Blue-headed and Cassin's. It certainly was not Blue-headed; no hint of a cap or contrast with nape and back. No buff or yellow on sides. Cassin's should also show yellow/buff on flanks and, according to the guides, should have little contrast between face and throat. The three most obvious ID points were 1) no contrast between cap and nape or back, 2) clean demarkation between side of face and throat, and 3) lack of yellow/buff on sides. (Plus yellow on rump!) |
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Photographs
or tape recordings obtained? |
None. Rain was seriously threatening and I was not carrying a camera. I immediately retreived it from my car, but could not re-find the bird, and then it began to pour again, and I had to return the camera to the car. |
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Previous
experience with this species: |
I have seen a few dozen in SW Colorado during the last 3-4 summers. In scrub oak habitat which harbors Dusky Flycatchers, Spotted Towhees, etc. I have seen Cassin's once or twice, and, of course, hundreds of Blue-headed Vireos. |
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Identification aids: |
after observation: National Geographic, Sibley. |
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This description is written from: |
Both; notes were taken at the time. |
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Are
you positive of your identification? If not, explain: |
I am 100% sure it was not a Blue-headed. I would think it must be at least 75% certain that it was not Cassin's, perhaps greater. I know that even if the committee is convinced that I am correct, it will not be accepted, but so be it. I was not aware at the time to look for the gray sides on a Plumbeous. |
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Reporter: |
Robert D. Purrington
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Date and time: |
17 April |