Common NameBlue Grosbeak
Scientific NamePasserina Caerulea
Type of ReportRare Species
Date of Observation10/28/2021
Media
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Number Observed1
Reporting Observer's NameMatthew Britt
Mailing Address97 Davis Street
Rutland, VT 05701
United States
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EmailEmail hidden; Javascript is required.
Date Completed10/28/2021
Latitude of Observation (enter 0 if unable to provide)43.61600
Longitude of Observation (enter 0 if unable to provide)-72.97069
Place NameBritt Home
TownshipRutland
CountyRutland
Vermont eBird Checklist URLebird.org
Time of Day05:02 PM
Length of Time Observed20
Maximum Estimated Distance from Bird (in feet)10
Minimum Estimated Distance from Bird (in feet)10
Noteworthy Weather Conditions

None

Optical Equipment Used for Observation

Canon EOS-M with Sigma 150-600mm lens attached

Observer’s Previous Acquaintance With This or Similar Species

None

I certify that any attachments included with this report were captured during this observation event​​.
Description of Habitat

Hopper feeder in side yard near shrub that attracts wide variety of species. Dark-eyed juncos and White-throated Sparrows on ground below.

Behaviors Observed

Stayed inside hopper feeder eating small seeds for over 20 minutes before flying off.

Description of Vocalizations

Quick chirps

Verbal Narrative & Description of Observation

Female - first instinct was orange morph male house Finch, but no striping on breast and very faint orangeish yellow color overall (similar to female brown-headed cowbird). Merlin app confirmed photos as Blue Grosbeak, which I initially rejected. Submitted to a Facebook group for thoughts and others suggested Blue Grosbeak as well.

Relative Size & Shape

Slightly larger than house Finch, not as large as brown-headed cowbird

Feet & Bill

Large bill compared to overall head size

Breast, Belly, Flanks, Under Tail Coverts

Breast same overall color as head

IMPORTANT: What similar species were eliminated when making the identification and how was this bird different?

Orange morph house Finch - no striping on breast, larger beak, very subtle orange color

Female Indigo Bunting - much larger beak, more orange in color than yellow

Female Brown-headed cowbird - not quite that large, coloring more vibrant

Other Notes & Comments

Female

This report was written from notes taken:Immediately After