Documentation of
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
2011-215
Observer Information
Reporter:
Polly Neldner
Other Observers:
None; Polly and Paul Neldner
Species, Date, Time and Location Information
Species:
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
First Date/Time:
6/4/2011
Last Date/Time:
Duration (total time in view):
approximately 1 hour
County:
Huerfano
Specific Location:
151 County Road 359 La Veta, CO
Number:
1
Age:
Unknown
Sex:
Unknown
Plumage:
Other/Unknown
Habitat
This is rural yard, with mixed coniferous and deciduous trees...bird was in dense foliage that screens our house from the creek near by last evening. This morning it was perched in a Box Elder Tree
Viewing Conditions
Optics:
swarovski 8.5X42 Binoculars, nikon 8X32 Binoculars, 500 mm lens
Distance:
as close as 15 ft. as far away as 30 ft.
Light:
Early morning light at around 6:00 am. Clear day
Description of the Bird
Long slender bird, stout mostly yellow bill, white chin, breast and belly, large white tips on black feathers, back was light brown
Behaviors: Bird was very secretive last evening...even though it called incessantly we were unable to locate it. This morning we heard it first thing this morning. It was seen perching on a high branch in one of our box elder trees...and was calling from there. Held itself very upright and still, tilting it's head toward sound.
Call: Heard first, then compared to call on iPod. Most commonly hear calls were the knocking series...ku-ku-ku-kuku-ku-kddowl-kdowl and tok tok tok
Plumage: Adult
Similar Species Discussion
Bird was unmistakable. Eliminated from Black-billed Cuckoo, by stout mostly yellow bill, Black-billed's tail would have small, distinct white tips, this bird had white edged tail with bold white on black feathers, Black-billed Cuckoo would have red orbital eye ring, this bird did not. This bird had rufous on wings when it flew and bold white spots on tail. Black-billed would have little or no rufous and small white tips on the tail. Mangrove Cuckoo not considered due to range, lack of dark mask on this bird, call, and pure white belly of this bird.
Resources Used
Sibley's Guide to Birds
Previous Experience
We have seen Mangrove Cuckoo on St. John
Notes
Notes made DURING observation
Additional Information
Date Documentation Submitted
6/5/2011 9:00:00 PM
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