|
English
and Scientific names: |
Western
Tanager
(Pirangra ludoviciana)
|
|
Number
of individuals: |
one female in apparently adult plumage |
|
Locality:
LOUISIANA: |
East Baton Rouge Parish |
|
Specific
Locality: |
Back yard at 2520 Olive Street, Baton Rouge |
|
Date(s)
when observed: |
From February 23, 2007 at least through today (March 9, 2007) |
|
Time(s)
of day when observed: |
As early as 7:30 a.m. and as late as 5:00 p.m., present off and on throughout most days. |
|
Reporting
observer and address: |
Kevin Morgan Baton Rouge, LA |
|
Other observers
accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s): |
|
|
Other observers who
independently identified the bird(s) |
Jacob Saucier, Jeff Harris |
|
Light conditions (position
of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light): |
Varied, but on many days bird was viewed in full sunlight. |
|
Optical
equipment: |
Meade Kestrel 10x42 binoculars, excellent condition |
|
Distance
to bird(s): |
typically about 20 feet; sometimes as close as 10 feet. |
|
Duration
of observation: |
Observed typically for 5 minutes or more at a time. |
|
Habitat:
|
Urban backyard with nearby mature tree cover (oaks and others); observed specifically near and at suet feeder in crepe myrtle tree in backyard. |
|
Behavior
of bird: |
Typically flies into tree with feeder, approaches and eats for several minutes, then leaves for adjoining yard with large oak tree. |
|
Description: |
A yellowish bird, slightly plumpish, perhaps half an inch to an inch longer than a House Sparrow, duller olive greenish-yellow above from nape toward rump. Two wing bars, the first yellowish, the second white. Bill thicker than an oriole but not as conical as a finch or bunting, bill color pale, cross between bone and flesh. |
|
Voice: |
Not heard. |
|
Similar species: |
Other tanagers normally lack wing bars. "Thicker" bodied than and oriole (a Baltimore Oriole has been present nearby frequently for comparison), and bill much thicker, paler and not as pointed as an oriole's. Larger than any warbler species with even remotely similar markings. |
|
Photographs or tape
recordings obtained? |
Several photos taken by me, sending by email. |
|
Previous experience with
this species: |
Familiar with adult male, but not with female plumage. |
|
Identification
aids: |
at time of observation: Sibley's Field Guide to Birds (Eastern and Western); Peterson's
Birds of Eastern and Central North America (th ed) and Western Birds (3rd
ed). Also consulted Nancy Newfield by phone during first observation. National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North
America (5th ed). Jacob Saucier came to view bird that week. |
|
This
description is written from: |
Notes taken at observation, e-mail sent shortly afterwards, and consultation with the other observers. |
|
Are you positive of your
identification? If not, explain: |
Yes |
|
Reporter:
|
Kevin Morgan
|
|
Date
and time: |
3/9/2007 2:00 p.m. |