Documentation of Say's Phoebe
2005-172

Observer Information

Reporter:  Nicholas Komar 
Other Observers:  Joe Roller; I am original observer and identifier

Species, Date, Time and Location Information

Species:  Say's Phoebe
First Date/Time:  11/27/2005
Last Date/Time: 
Duration (total time in view):  1 min
County:  Larimer
Specific Location:  Intersection of 28th St and Mackenzie Dr.
Number:  1
Age:  Unknown
Sex:  Unknown
Plumage:  Other/Unknown

Habitat

Animal pens adjacent to meadow; Great Plains ecosystem about 3 miles from foothills of the Rocky Mountains.

Viewing Conditions

Optics:  Nikon Action 7x35 binoculars
Distance:  50 feet
Light:  Cloudy

Description of the Bird

gray flycatcher with darker tail and head (especially crown) with salmon colorerd lower belly; no white markings on wings or head. Small black bill.
Behaviors: Perched on barbed wire fence; sallying for insects; flew down to ground several times
Call: not heard
Plumage: adult

Similar Species Discussion

Other birds similar in shape and behavior would include Kingbirds, other Phoebes, other flycatchers. Only Say's Phoebe has a combination of gray plumage with salmon colored underparts, with the exception of Vermilion Flycatcher which is smaller and streaked underneath and Scissor-tailed Flycatcher with is a much paler gray and longer-tailed.

Resources Used

None

Previous Experience

Extensive

Notes

Memory

Additional Information

Comments: I am not aware of documented winter sightings of Say's Phoebe in Larimer County, and only one Nov. sighting is reported in Colorado prior to 1992 (Andrews and Righer, Colorado Birds). Interestingly, another Say's Phoebe is currently hanging around Fossil Creek Reservoir about 10 miles away but has not yet been documented.
Time: 9:30 am
Elevation: About 5000 feet
Other Dates: None
Nearest Town: Loveland
Independent Observers: I am original observer and identifier

Materials Available

Photos |

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Date Documentation Submitted

12/4/2005 4:14:00 AM
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