Documentation of
Summer Tanager
2006-204
Observer Information
Reporter:
Bill Maynard
Other Observers:
Brandon Percival
Jane Soltz
Kara Lewantowicz; don't remember
Species, Date, Time and Location Information
Species:
Summer Tanager
First Date/Time:
5/7/2006
Last Date/Time:
Duration (total time in view):
5 minutes
County:
Prowers
Specific Location:
about 5 miles south of town on US Hwy 287 at the Stoltz residence.
Number:
1
Age:
Unknown
Sex:
Female
Plumage:
Other/Unknown
Habitat
grazed area in drought conditions of short-grass prairie but close to water and trees of house.
Viewing Conditions
Optics:
Lecia 10x42 Ultravid binoculars with Leica D-Lux 2 digital camera through scope at 20x on the scope and 3x optical on the camera lens
Distance:
120 feet
Light:
good, light perpendicular to bird while being photographed
Description of the Bird
This bird was a tanager based on structure, bill shape, and bird size.
The bird was a dull greenish yellow with patches of dull rose red on its face. The bill was very heavy, long, and light gray with dull yellow at the tip. wings were gray with only a hint of a wing bar. The head appeared crested. The throat was mustard yellow and the brightest part of the undersides. A light yellowish wash covered the rest of the undersides. Legs were grayish. Tail was dull greenish.
Behaviors: Foraged on the ground near a corral. Perched repeatedly on a metal fence.
Call: non heard
Plumage: althernate
Similar Species Discussion
This was the eastern rubra race of Summer Tanager identified by lack of tail wagging and reddish coloration on its face.
From Northern Hepatic Tanager, Piranga flava dextra by bill color -much lighter on this bird than the darker gray bill of Northern Hepatic Tanager and lack of gray auriculars found in HETA.
From Scarlet Tanager female by light gray wings, unlike black wings of SCTA and by bill length and color, unlike the short darker gray bill of SCTA
From other Piranga Tanagers by the lack of wingbars.
Resources Used
The Sibley Guide to Birds
Previous Experience
Not too much exerience with eastern summer tanager. Quite a bit with the western summer tanager from when I lived in SE AZ. Probably more familiar with Northern, Lowland, and Highland Hepatic Tanagers from AZ, and South America
Notes
Notes made AFTER observation
Additional Information
Date Documentation Submitted
12/1/2007 11:14:00 PM
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