ML645474493

Observation details

Well seen and heard stakeout at Sabal Palms. This was the first modern sighting of this species in the US. From my field notes: Absolutely crippling looks at a male singing its head off at Sabal Palms Wildlife Sanctuary. This bird sang persistently during the entire observation, as close as 30 feet away. The bird was quite distinctive, having a long bill that was slightly decurved. The lower mandible was a pinkish, flesh toned color, while the upper was dark. The eyes were black. There were thin eye cresents above and below each eye, being most prominent below the eye. There was a black facial mask which began above the bill and extended back to the area around the eye. Above the mask was a grayish wash. The crown of the bird had gray suffused with brown. The side of the head was washed with grayish before becoming the brownish green of the rest of the upperparts. The chin and throat were extremely bright yellow, while the rest of the underparts were a burnt mustard color. The undertail coverts were a bit brighter yellow. The tail was rather long and squarely cut off, and seemed rather tattered. Beautiful lighting! Just a perfect record!