LOUISIANA BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE
REPORT FORM
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1. English and Scientific names: Spotted Towhee, Pipilo maculatus |
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2. Number of individuals, sexes, ages, general
plumage: 1 sex unknown |
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3. Locality: Parish:
Calcasieu |
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Specific
Locality: intersection of Elliot and Lincoln Roads, near NE corner. About 5 mi SW of Lake Charles |
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4. Date(s) when observed: February 19, 2012 |
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5. Time(s) of day when observed: about 8:30 a.m. |
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6. Reporting observer and address: Paul Conover Lafayette LA |
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7. Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified
the bird(s): |
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8. Other observers who independently identified the bird(s): |
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9. Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade
and to direction and amount of light): Overcast, cloudy, and pretty
windy. Horrible viewing conditions and
bird was staying hidden as much as possible.
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10. Optical equipment (type, power, condition): Zeiss 10s
and Nikon d50. |
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11. Distance to bird(s):
Probably 10-15 feet. |
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12. Duration of observation: It was within a short
distance of me for about 10 minutes. |
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13. Habitat: Scrubby overgrown lot between houses in semi-residential
area. |
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14. Behavior of bird / circumstances of observation: A towhee popped up to spishing, and I thought I saw mantle spotting. I played SPTO call and bird began to whine in response. It hopped into thick bush, and I put the camera on manual focus and zoom through layers of twigs to find it. The bird went even deeper until I could no longer detect movement of any kind, but it continued to call. I used the videocamera to record audio of its call. |
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15. Description: A “Rufous-sided” Towhee with white mantle spots. Other than that, I saw very little of it. I can’t even tell, given the poor views and low lighting, if it was a dark female or a male. However, photos do show the rows of spotting on the wing coverts, and the audio is good. |
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16. Voice: Gave a
whining call repeatedly, every few seconds, for 5 minutes at least. It
stopped briefly and I thought it had moved out, but began again and was still
calling when I left. |
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17. Similar species (include how they were eliminated by your observation): Eastern Towhee eliminated by white spotting on wing coverts, and by the call. |
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18. Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom? attached?):
Yes, poor photographs, and audio. |
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19. Previous experience with this species: Pretty
extensive; this was the 5th this winter for me in Louisiana, I
believe. I’ve seen a number of them
out west, including many during summer 2011.
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20. Are you positive of your identification if not,
explain: Yes. |
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21. Date: 02/21/2012 |
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