Texas Bird Records Committee Report for 1993
Carl B. Haynie
This report contains the decisions of the Texas Bird
Records Committee (hereafter "TBRC" or "committee") of the
Texas Ornithological Society reached during 1993. For
information on previous actions of the TBRC, see Arnold (1984,
1985), Lasley (1988, 1989, 1990, 1991), and Haynie (1992,
1992). The TBRC requests and reviews documentation on any
record of a Texas Review Species (see end of report) as well
as any record of any species if requested to do so by a member
of the TBRC. Some of the records submitted to the TBRC during
1993 were gleaned from old American Birds or Christmas Bird
Count files; thus some portion of the work of the committee
during 1993 was to catch up on older records. The TBRC
reached a final decision on 174 records during 1993: 127
records of 53 species were accepted and 47 records of 30
species were not accepted, an acceptance rate of 73% for this
report. There were 207 observers who submitted documentation
(to the TBRC or to other entities) that was reviewed by the
committee during 1993.
This report officially adds 6 species to the Texas state
list: Red-necked Grebe, Collared Plover, Wandering Tattler,
Slaty-backed Gull, Green-breasted Mango, and Olive Warbler.
The grebe was elevated from the Presumptive Species List (see
end of report) when photographs were recently uncovered and
the submitted record was accepted. The mango replaced
"Anthracothorax species" which was added to the Texas state
list in 1990. During 1993, the committee also accepted a
sight record of Social Flycatcher. As a result, this
previously unrecorded species constituted a new addition to
the Presumptive Species List. The above actions brought the
official Texas state list at the end of 1993 to 590 species in
good standing. And with the removal of Red-necked Grebe and
the addition of Social Flycatcher, the official Presumptive
Species List remained at 4 species.
The TBRC solicits reports of any species on the Review
List as well as any species not previously accepted for Texas.
We desire written descriptions as well as photographs and tape
recordings if available. If anyone has information concerning
a Review Species but is unsure how to submit that information
please contact any member of the TBRC or contact the committee
secretary, Greg Lasley, 305 Loganberry Court, Austin, Texas
78745-6527. For guidelines on preparing rare bird
documentation, readers are encouraged to consult "How to
Document Rare Birds" (Dittmann and Lasley 1992).
The records in this report are arranged taxonomically
following The AOU Checklist of North American Birds (AOU 1983)
as currently supplemented. A number in parentheses after the
species name represents the total number of accepted records
in Texas for that species at the end of 1993. In instances
where birds were known to return from previous years, this
number will be followed by a slash and a second number. The
second number denotes the total number of accepted records if
returnees are excluded. The number(s) will be listed for all
Review Species, but not for certain other species (see end of
report). Within each species the records are listed
chronologically. All observers who submitted written
documentation or photos of accepted records are listed by
initials. If known, the initials of those who discovered a
particular bird are in boldface (assuming the discoverers
submitted a description). There has been no attempt to list
all observers who saw a particular bird. The TBRC file number
of each accepted record will follow the observers' initials.
This number consists of the year the record was originally
submitted to the committee followed by a dash then a number.
If photos are on file with the TBRC, the Texas Photo Record
File (TPRF) (Texas A&M University) number is also given. If
a tape recording of the bird is on file with the TBRC, the
Texas Bird Sounds Library (TBSL) (Sam Houston State
University) number is also given. Specimen records are
denoted with an asterisk (*) followed by the institution where
the specimen is housed and the catalog number if available.
The information in each account is usually based on the
information provided in the original submitted documentation;
however, in some cases we have supplemented this with a full
range of dates the bird(s) was present if that information was
made available to us later. All locations in italics are
counties.
TBRC Membership. -- Members of the TBRC during 1993 who
participated in decisions listed in this report are: John
Arvin, Chairman, Keith Arnold, Academician, Greg Lasley,
Secretary, Carl Haynie, Martin Reid, Chuck Sexton, Bret
Whitney, David Wolf, and Barry Zimmer. During 1993, Bret
Whitney retired from the committee, John Arvin was elected
Chairman, Chuck Sexton was elected to a second term, and
Martin Reid and Gail Luckner were elected as new members.
Contributors. -- Richard Albert, Lynne Aldrich, Richard
Allan (RAl), Tony Amos, Jim Anderson, Margaret Anderson,
Nanette Armstrong, Rich Armstrong, M. J. Atkinson, Mike Austin
(MAu), Paul Baicich, Alma Barrera, Bruce Barrett, Charles
Bender (CBe), Chris Benesh, Lorie Black, Hazel Bluhm, David
Bradford, Marcia Braun, David Brotherton (DBr), Tim Brush,
Kelly Bryan, Frank Bumgardner, Dennis Caputo, Oscar Carmona,
Dawn Carrie (DCa), Charlie Clark, Fred Collins, Arlie Cooksey,
Mel Cooksey, Louise Crow, Jim Culbertson, Pat Culbertson,
Rosalie Cutrer, David Dauphin, Laurel DeVaney (LDe), Lewis
Dimfast, Gladys Donohue, Jon Dunn, Gil Echrich, Kim Eckert,
Tom Edwards (TEd), Victor Emanuel, Doug Emkalns, Ted Eubanks,
Mike Farmer, Bill Farnsworth (BFa), Shawneen Finnegan, Dean
Fisher, Phyllis Frank, Tony Frank, Brush Freeman, Louise
Gambill, Red Gambill, Hugh Garnett, John Gee, Brian Gibbons,
Jeff Gordon (JGo), Peter Gottschling, Jesse Grantham (JGr),
Janet Green, Mary Gustafson, Frank Hahn, Bruce Hallett,
Laurens Halsey, Jane Hamilton, Peggy Harding, Joe Harris
(JHa), Michael Harvey, Tyrrell Harvey, Carl Haynie, Thomas R.
Hays (TRH), Rhandy Helton, Dick Henderson, R. Tod Highsmith
(RTH), Petra Hockey (PHo), Buddy Hollis (BHo), Joan Howard
(JHo), P. D. Hulce (PDH), Joe Ideker, Pete Isleib, Nick
Jackson, Carlene Johnson, Corky & Joye Johnson (C&JJ), Willard
Johnson, Betty Jukes, Wulf Kappes, John Karges (JKa), John F.
Kelly (JFK), Richard Kinney, Jane Kittleman, Ed Kutac, Leon
LaLonde, William Lamond, Greg Lasley, Paul Lehman, Margie
Little (MLi), Ray Little, Mark Lockwood, Sue Lower, Gail Diane
Luckner (GDL), Guy Luneau (GLu), Joan Luneau, Leon Lynn (LLy),
Fermin Mancha, Michael Manson (MMa), Curtis Marantz, David
Mark, Dave Markley, Dennis Martin (DMa), Steve Matherly (SMa),
David Matson (DaM), Terry Maxwell, John McBride (JMcB), Guy
McCaskie, Elric McHenry (EMcH), Brad McKinney, Paul McKneely,
John McLemore (JMcL), Steve Metz (SMe), Paul Micallef (PMi),
Brian Minshull (BMi), Steven Mlodinow, Marilyn Moore, Arnold
Moorhouse, Elaine Morman, Jack Morman, Vicky Mosely, Allan J.
Mueller (AJM), John Muldrow (JMu), Derek Muschalek (DMu),
Terry & Jeanie Naas (T&JN), Ken Nanney, Bruce Neville (BNe),
Nancy Newfield, Michael Nickell, Bob Norris, John O'Brien,
Norman Orr, Brent Ortego, Paul Palmer, Mike Patterson, Dick
Payne, Stephen Perry, Bruce Peterjohn, Jim Peterson, Tom
Pincelli, Perry Ping (PPi), Lea Pummill, Richard Purvis,
Michael Quinn, Ross Rasmussen (RRa), Martin Reid, Bill Reiner,
Barbara Ribble (BRi), Debra Richards (DeR), Don Richardson,
Don Riley (DoR), Jan Risser, Will Risser, Karyn Rotker (KRo),
Ed Rozenberg, Ken Russell, Rod Rylander, Willie Sekula, Lonie
Selby, Maurice Selby, Chuck Sexton, W. Shifflett (WSh), David
Sibley (DSi), J. W. Sifford (JWS), David Simon, Dick Sloss,
John Smith (JSm), John Sproul, Darleen Stevens (DSt), Byron
Stone, Glenn Swartz, Scott Swengel, Bill Tarbox, Robert
Thacker (RTh), Timothy Thomas, Jay Thomasson, Mike Thompson,
Steve Thompson, Ian Tizard, Robert Tizard, John Trochet (JTr),
Cathy Turney, Sue Utterback, Allen Valentine, Eric Vanderwerf,
Bettye Vernon, Peter Walsh, Brent Wauer, Ro Wauer, Matt White
(MWh), Frances Williams, Steve Williams, Kris Wilson, Walt
Wilson, David Wolf, Mimi Wolf, Alan Wormington, and Barry
Zimmer.
Acknowledgments. -- The TBRC is very grateful to the many
contributors listed above, without whom this report would not
be possible. We would also like to offer our sincere thanks
to the following consultants who provided the TBRC with expert
opinion, advice, or other information concerning records
reviewed during 1993: Robert Bleiweiss, Gary Graves, Dave Lee,
Robert Ridgely, Tom Schulenberg, Dick Sloss, and F. Gary
Stiles. The author would especially like to thank Greg Lasley
for reviewing the draft of this article and for making several
helpful comments and suggestions.
Additional Abbreviations. -- AB = American Birds
magazine; AMNH = American Museum of Natural History; BBNP =
Big Bend National Park; GMNP = Guadalupe Mountains National
Park; NWR = National Wildlife Refuge; SP = State Park; TCWC =
Texas Cooperative Wildlife Collection (Texas A&M University);
TOS = Texas Ornithological Society.
Accepted Records
Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata) (18). Two were
photographed on Lake Texoma, Grayson during their stay 20
December 1991 & 24 February - 14 March 1992 (HG, MP; 1992-42,
TPRF #1103). One bird, apparently stained by oil, was
photographed at Mustang Island, Nueces on 11 January 1992 (BG;
1992-83, TPRF #1115). Two were on Lake Tawakoni, Rains from
31 January - 7 February 1993 (MWh, RK; 1993-29).
Pacific Loon (Gavia pacifica) (39). An adult in breeding
plumage flew by the Port Bolivar - Galveston ferry, Galveston
on 26 April 1990 (KR, LDe; 1990-113). One was on Calaveras
Lake, Bexar on 7 December 1991 (WS; 1992-75). Up to two were
seen and photographed on Offatt's Bayou, Galveston from 24
December 1991 - 21 May 1992 (PG, GDL, JD, TF, PF, GL; 1992-41,
TPRF #1105). One was photographed on Lake O' The Pines,
Marion during its stay 13 January - 16 February 1992 (KN, PH,
JWS, HB, FB, DW; 1992-22). A weakened bird was photographed
from the beach at Port Aransas, Nueces on 28 May 1992; it
later died (TA; 1992-86, *TCWC #13003, TPRF #1079). Up to two
were on Lake Tawakoni, Rains/Van Zandt from 12 December 1992 -
7 February 1993 (RK, CH, MR, PPi, MWh; 1992-167 & 1993-21).
Yellow-billed Loon (Gavia adamsii) (2). One was on Lake
O' The Pines, Marion from 12-14 January 1992 (JD, SU, PH, KN;
1992-23). This second record for Texas was the first yellow-
billed considered "chaseable" by birders, however it proved to
be disappointedly elusive.
Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena) (8). One was
photographed on Big Lake, Reagan during its stay 23-30
November 1975 (TM; 1992-129, TPRF #1069). This recently
uncovered photograph was enough to elevate the species to full
status on the Texas list. As a result, the five records
formerly categorized as "accepted presumptive species" join
the three records accepted here in sharing full status. One
was at Freeport, Brazoria on 19 December 1982 (DD, ER, JMcL,
DC; 1991-101). One was on Bob Sandlin Lake, Titus on 15
November 1992 (RAl; 1993-2).
Greater Shearwater (Puffinus gravis) (5). One was found
dead on the beach at Padre Island, Kleberg on 6 September 1991
(JFK, MQ; 1992-20, *TCWC #xxxx, TPRF #1076).
Sooty Shearwater (Puffinus griseus) (7). One was in the
channel in north Galveston, Galveston on 26 December 1990 (PF,
TF; 1991-1). After three circulations and much discussion at
the annual meeting, this first sight record for the species in
Texas was accepted. As was the case here, it was argued that
sight and even photographic records of this species would be
very difficult to impossible to distinguish from Short-tailed
Shearwater. But given the high improbability of the latter's
occurrence in the Gulf, the committee agreed that all future
records of Sooty/Short-tailed Shearwater (including the two
records here) would be treated as Sooty Shearwater. One was
off Boca Chica, Cameron on 6 January 1992 (JD, SU; 1992-27).
Audubon's Shearwater (Puffinus lherminieri) (12). One
was found dead on the beach at Port Aransas, Nueces on 23
January 1989 (TA, GL; 1992-46, *TCWC #1281x(x=6or4?), TPRF
#1096). One was 70 miles east of Port Aransas on 18 September
1992 (CH, MR, CS; 1992-123, TPRF #1068).
Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster) (12). One was picked up
sick from West Beach on Galveston Island, Galveston on 25 July
1983 when it was turned over to a rehabilitator, but it later
died (AJM; 1992-156). Regrettably, no photographs were taken,
the specimen was discarded, and we were left only with a
barely acceptable description.
Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) (31). One was in
Austin, Travis on 7 May 1991 (BR; 1991-63). One was
photographed in McAllen, Hidalgo during its stay 5-9 April
1992 (RG, LG, BZ; 1992-73, TPRF #1080). Two were near
Petronilla, Nueces on 16 & 17 April 1992 (AC, MC, GS, RL, MLi;
1992-66). One was photographed at Fort Bliss, El Paso during
its stay 29 April - 4 May 1992 (BZ; 1992-91, TPRF #1097). One
was photographed at High Island, Galveston during its stay 7-8
May 1992 (FC, JD; 1992-97, TPRF #1085). One was photographed
in Austin during its stay 16-17 May 1992 (VE, GL, EK; 1992-71,
TPRF #1093). One was in southeast Dallas from 8-23 May 1992
(RRa; 1992-79). Two were photographed on West Galveston
Island, Galveston on 21 June 1992 (TE; 1992-111, TPRF #1086).
Two were photographed in northwest Fort Worth, Tarrant on 19
December 1992 (CH; 1992-168, TPRF #xxxx). One was at Santa
Ana NWR, Hidalgo from 30 December 1992 - 2 January 1993 (JI,
VM, JMcB; 1993-19).
Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope) (12). A male was north
of Funston, Jones from 17 February - 2 March 1992 (TEd, LB,
JHo; 1992-82).
Barrow's Goldeneye (Bucephala islandica) (3/2). Last
year's drake returned for its second year to La Porte, Harris
from 17 December 1992 - 19 January 1993 (BHo, LL; 1992-169).
Masked Duck (Oxyura dominica) (19). Unless otherwise
noted, all birds were in "female" plumage. Three were at
Santa Ana NWR, Hidalgo from 28-30 December 1975 (GM; 1992-
147). One breeding-plumaged male was in Hidalgo on 24 June
1990 (JR, WR; 1990-119). One was at Laguna Larga on the King
Ranch, Kleberg on 24 April 1992 (MF, JGr; 1992-68). One was
in Seadrift, Calhoun from 14 December 1992 - 3 January 1993
(WJ, RW, PHo, JT, GDL, GL, CH, MC, AC, PG, ML; 1992-161, TPRF
#xxxx). Up to four were at Brazos Bend SP, Fort Bend from 20
December 1992 - March 1993 (DB, BT, DCa; 1993-1). One was at
Santa Ana NWR from 25-27 December 1992 (SMa, GDL, JC, PC;
1993-12, TPRF #xxxx). A photograph documenting this record
was published in AB 47:321. The preceding 4 records and 10
reports currently in circulation bear testimony to the large
incursion of Masked Ducks witnessed during 1992 and 1993.
Collared Plover (Charadrius collaris) (1). One adult
female was at the Uvalde National Fish Hatchery, Uvalde from
9-12 May 1992 (GDL, DF, GL, CS, ML, WS, CH, JMu, CC, LA, AC,
BO, RH, RTH; 1992-70, TPRF #1099). Photographs documenting
this first record for the United States were published in AB
46:501 and on the cover of the TOS Newsletter, 40(2).
Northern Jacana (Jacana spinosa) (16). At least two
immatures were photographed below Falcon Dam, Starr during
their stay 6 November 1992 - 15 April 1993 (SW, MF, GDL, DH,
CM, SM, OC, JI, CH; 1992-131, TPRF #1100). One immature was
photographed in Seadrift, Calhoun during its stay 10 December
1992 - 22 April 1993 (JA, BFa, CH, GDL, GL, MC, AC, PG, ML;
1992-159, TPRF #xxxx). Another immature was at Santa Ana NWR,
Hidalgo from 12 February - early May 1993 (DMa, BM; 1993-26).
Wandering Tattler (Heteroscelus incanus) (1). One was in
Galveston, Galveston from 23 April - 8 May 1992 (MT, BMi, MR,
GDL, DB, LH, RTh, TF, PF, LA, JD; 1992-64, TPRF #1090). A
photograph documenting this first record for Texas was
published in AB 46:500.
Purple Sandpiper (Calidris maritima) (11). One was in
Freeport, Brazoria on 20 December 1992 (DD; 1993-11).
Ruff (Philomachus pugnax) (16/13). One was in Austin,
Travis from 25 July - 2 August 1992 (CS, GL, TF, PF, GDL;
1992-110, TPRF #1087). Another (believed to be a different
individual) was in Austin from 18-21 August 1992 (BF, GL;
1992-112, TPRF #1098). Photographs documenting these two
records were published in AB 46:1155 and AB 47:116,
respectively.
Red Phalarope (Phalaropus fulicaria) (22). Two juveniles
were in Nacogdoches, Nacogdoches on 12 October 1979 (CT, SL,
DW; 1992-76). One in basic plumage was in San Antonio, Bexar
from 26 May - 1 June 1983 (TH; 1992-128). At least two in
basic plumage were in El Paso, El Paso on 3 October 1992 (BNe,
DE; 1992-125).
Little Gull (Larus minutus) (20/16). An immature was at
San Luis Pass, Brazoria/Galveston on 9 February 1986 (DD, DeR;
1992-144). A second-winter bird was photographed north of
Mustang Island SP, Nueces from 12-13 January 1992 (JMu, FB,
SMe, MR, PP, RL, MLi; 1992-11, TPRF #1081). One adult was at
Wright Patman Lake, Bowie on 29 January 1992 (AW; 1992-38).
One adult was photographed in east Fort Worth, Tarrant during
its stay 6-21 March 1992 (JWS, CH; 1992-43, TPRF #1102). An
adult returned to Lake Waco, McLennan on 1 December 1992 - 31
January 1993 (JMu, DB, GDL, CH, FB; 1992-152, TPRF #xxxx). At
least one adult was at White Rock Lake, Dallas from 5-27
February 1993 (RA, NA, RRa, MAu; 1993-23). A first-winter
bird was photographed in San Antonio, Bexar during its stay
10-11 February 1993 (WS; 1993-22, TPRF #xxxx).
California Gull (Larus californicus) (24). An adult was
at East Beach on Galveston Island, Galveston on 20 January
1980 (PDH; 1992-154). One adult was photographed on North
Padre Island, Kleberg/Nueces on 24 December 1991 (MC, AC;
1992-51, TPRF #1107). One second- or third-winter bird was at
Port Aransas, Nueces on 25 December 1991 (MC; 1992-52). A
third-winter bird was photographed in Galveston, Galveston on
17 February 1992 (AW, WL; 1992-39, TPRF #1108). A first-
winter bird was photographed in San Antonio, Bexar during its
stay 21-27 November 1992 (WS, GDL, JM, EM; 1992-150, TPRF
#1104). One first- or second-winter bird was at Lake Waco,
McLennan from 28 November 1992 - 17 January 1993 (JMu, PI;
1992-153). A first-winter bird was photographed in San
Antonio from 5-9 January 1993 (WS, ML; 1993-15, TPRF #xxxx).
Thayer's Gull (Larus thayeri) (19). A first-winter bird
was photographed at Lake Waco, McLennan during its stay 1-10
December 1991 (JMu, FB; 1992-54, TPRF #1114). A second-winter
bird was at the Brownsville City Landfill, Cameron from 5-10
February 1992 (DSi, GDL; 1992-61). A first-winter bird was at
White Rock Lake, Dallas on 24 January 1993 (CH, MR; 1993-17).
Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) (56/45). One
first-winter bird was photographed at the Brownsville City
Landfill, Cameron on 6 January 1992 (JD; 1992-28, TPRF #1072).
One adult was at the Brownsville City Landfill from 7-22
February 1992 (CB, CH; 1992-57). A first-winter bird was
photographed at Boca Chica, Cameron on 12 February 1992 (AW,
WL; 1992-58, TPRF #1110). A first-winter bird was
photographed at Quintana, Brazoria on 16 February 1992 (AW,
WL; 1992-59, TPRF #1111). An adult was photographed at Beach
City, Chambers on 17 February 1992 (AW, WL; 1992-60, TPRF
#1109). One second-winter bird was at Braunig Lake, Bexar on
27 December 1992 (WS; 1993-6). One adult was photographed at
Port Aransas, Nueces on 9 January 1993 (GDL; 1993-16, TPRF
#xxxx). The Mustang Island bird, documented since 1983,
returned 11 October 1992 - 11 April 1993.
Slaty-backed Gull (Larus schistisagus) (1). One third-
winter bird was at the Brownsville City Landfill, Cameron from
7-22 February 1992 (DSi, CB, BM, JK, JMu, AW, BB, RA, NA, MR,
WS, LA, CH, GDL; 1992-24, TPRF #1071). A photograph
documenting this first record for Texas, one of only a handful
of records outside Alaska, was published in AB 46:332.
Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus) (51). One immature
(first or second winter) was at Bolivar Flats, Galveston on 29
April 1978 (DaM, EMcH; 1992-135). Another immature was found
weakened on the beach and later died at Port Aransas, Nueces
on 9 May 1991 (TA, GL; 1992-21, TCWC #12927, TPRF #1077).
This small-looking bird was initially thought to be an Iceland
Gull until the specimen was critically examined. One first-
winter bird was photographed at the Brownsville City Landfill,
Cameron during its stay 28 December 1992 - 1 January 1993 (CH,
PW, PI, JHa; 1993-9, TPRF #xxxx). A first-winter bird was
photographed in San Antonio, Bexar during its stay 3-9 January
1993 (WS, ML; 1993-5, TPRF #xxxx).
Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) (16/12). One
third- or fourth-winter bird was discovered in Harrison on 30
December 1992, and it was later relocated at Lake O' The
Pines, Marion where it spent 3 January - 27 March 1993 (GLu,
DBr, PH, HB, JD, JL; 1993-4, TPRF #xxxx). A photograph
documenting this record, the first inland record for Texas,
was published in AB 47:1007.
Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) (39). Unless
otherwise noted, all birds were in first-winter plumage. One
was off Galveston, Galveston from 27-29 November 1981 (NJ;
1992-142). One was in Freeport, Brazoria on 21 December 1986
(DD; 1992-101). Another was in Freeport on 17 December 1989
(DD; 1990-104). One was photographed at Boca Chica, Cameron
during its stay 6-12 January 1992 (JD, AM, MF, DoR; 1992-29,
TPRF #1073). One was at Lake Livingston, Polk from 23-28
March 1992 (DW; 1992-65). One was in Freeport on 20 December
1992 (DD; 1993-10).
Sabine's Gull (Xema sabini) (26). One juvenal plumaged
bird was at Hagerman NWR, Grayson on 12 October 1990 (RC, BV;
1990-134). Another juvenal plumaged bird was photographed at
Lake Waco, McLennan on 20 October 1991 (JMu; 1992-55, TPRF
#1112).
Bridled Tern (Sterna anaethetus) (9). Three were 67
miles east of Port Isabel, Cameron on 12 September 1992 (WS,
MR; 1992-119, TPRF #1066). A photograph documenting one of
these birds was published in AB 47:117. Two were 60 miles
east of Port Aransas, Nueces on 18 September 1992 (CH, MR, CS;
1992-116, TPRF #1067).
Brown Noddy (Anous stolidus) (3). One was 60+ miles east
of Port Isabel, Cameron on 12 September 1992 (MR; 1992-122).
Ruddy Ground-Dove (Columbina talpacoti) (9). One female
was photographed at Cottonwood Campground, BBNP, Brewster
during its stay 24 December 1991 - 5 May 1992 (WK, EV, CS, BP,
MG, BO, DB, RA, NA, GM, JD, MC, AC, GL, GDL, LA, PG; 1992-12,
TPRF #1075).
Mangrove Cuckoo (Coccyzus minor) (6). One was
photographed at Laguna Atascosa NWR, Cameron during its stay
25 April - late July 1992 (WW, FH, RG, LG; 1992-87, TPRF
#1116).
Green-breasted Mango (Anthracothorax prevostii) (1). One
female or immature was photographed, captured, measured,
feather-plucked, and released in Corpus Christi, Nueces during
its stay 6-27 January 1992 (CJ, WJ, CC, GL, CS, JD, PL, SF,
MC, AC, GDL, PG, FB, BRi, LA, NN, LP; 1992-10, TPRF #xxxx).
A photograph documenting this first record for the United
States was published in AB 46:332. Due to the complexity in
Anthracothorax identification, a half dozen authorities on
neotropical hummingbirds were consulted. Consultants and
committee members generally concluded the bird was prevostii
beyond a reasonable doubt and the record was accepted.
Numerically, the addition of Green-breasted Mango to the
Review List resulted in the removal of "Mango species"
previously added in 1990. Consequently, no numerical
difference to the total accepted species count was realized.
Broad-billed Hummingbird (Cynanthus latirostris) (12).
An adult male was photographed in El Paso, El Paso during its
stay 1 December 1991 - 8 January 1992 (LLy, KRo, JS, BZ; 1992-
45, TPRF #1106). A photograph of this bird appeared in the
January 6 edition of the El Paso Herald-Post. An immature
male was photographed and tape recorded in Sinton, San
Patricio during its stay 13 November 1992 - 19 February 1993
(LS, MS, CC, GS, JM, EM, RRa, MC, AC, GDL, CH, JD, GL; 1992-
132, TPRF #1101, TBSL #203-12). A photograph documenting this
record was published in AB 47:320.
Costa's Hummingbird (Calypte costae) (4). One immature
male was photographed and tape recorded in El Paso, El Paso on
16-17 September 1992 (BZ; 1993-3, TPRF #xxxx, TBSL #xxx-xx).
Lewis' Woodpecker (Melanerpes lewis) (24). One was in
GMNP, Culberson on 3 December 1991 (MC, AC; 1992-163). One
was photographed near Davis Mountains SP, Jeff Davis during
its stay 22 February - 10 May 1992 (CH, LA, PG, TF, PF, KB;
1992-48, TPRF #1091). One was photographed in Richardson,
Collin during its stay 6 April - 2 May 1992 (AV, JP, MP, MR;
1992-62, TPRF #1089).
Greater Pewee (Contopus pertinax) (3). A singing bird
was at 7600 feet on Mt. Livermore in the Davis Mountains, Jeff
Davis on 20 May 1992 (JTr; 1992-94).
Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) (3). Up to
six, one of which was tape recorded, were outside Harlingen,
Cameron from 25 December 1991 - present (OC, BM, GL, MMa, TRH;
1992-34, TBSL #203-10).
Gray Kingbird (Tyrannus dominicensis) (3). One was at
Packery Channel, Nueces from 23 May - 1 June 1992 (MC, AC, GS,
PP, WS, CS, GL, CM; 1992-74, TPRF #1082). A photograph
documenting this third record for Texas was published in AB
46:449.
Rose-throated Becard (Pachyramphus aglaiae) (15/12). An
immature male was on the Norias Division of the King Ranch,
Kenedy on 20 January 1992 (JGo; 1992-18).
Clay-colored Robin (Turdus grayi) (43/38). One was
photographed at Santa Ana NWR, Hidalgo on 16-17 January 1992
(SF; 1992-47, TPRF #1095). A pair was at Anzalduas County
Park, Zapata on 1 May 1992 (PL; 1992-133). One was in
McAllen, Hidalgo on 1 February 1993 (SM; 1993-28).
Varied Thrush (Ixoreus naevius) (15). One was in
Lubbock, Lubbock on 15 December 1990 (MN, NO; 1991-108). One
was in Lubbock again on 14 December 1991 (DSt; 1993-13). A
female was at Davis Mountains SP, Jeff Davis from 8-27 March
1992 (JMu, DMu, KB; 1992-56, TPRF #1088). A photograph
documenting this record was published in AB 46:448.
Yellow-green Vireo (Vireo flavoviridis) (7). One
surprisingly territorial bird was photographed and tape
recorded in Austin, Travis during its stay 3 May - 5 July 1992
(BR, GL, VE, LA, BS, CS, GDL, DW, MW, CM; 1992-69, TPRF
#1092, TBSL #203-10). A photograph documenting this first record
for Central Texas was published in AB 46:500.
Black-whiskered Vireo (Vireo altiloquus) (9). One was at
Packery Channel, Nueces on 15 April 1992 (WJ, CJ; 1992-67).
One (probably different) individual was at Packery Channel on
17 May 1992 (AC; 1992-80).
Connecticut Warbler (Oporornis agilis) (6). One was in
Crosby, Harris on 29 September 1992 (GDL; 1992-118).
Rufous-capped Warbler (Basileuterus rufifrons) (7). One
was at Dolan Falls Ranch, Val Verde on 10 January 1993 (JKa;
1993-18).
Olive Warbler (Peucedramus taeniatus) (1). One first-
spring male was at 8200 feet on Mt. Livermore, Jeff Davis on
19 May 1992 (JG, KB; 1992-72, TPRF #1094). A photograph
documenting this first record for Texas was published in AB
46:450. While one other record is still circulating in the
committee, several reports from BBNP, primarily from the 70s,
remain unsubmitted.
Baird's Sparrow (Ammodramus bairdii) (10). Two to four
were on the Presidio/Jeff Davis county line on 17 April 1992
(JD; 1992-96). One was photographed in San Antonio, Bexar
during its brief stay 29 April - 1 May 1992 (WS; 1992-85, TPRF
#1084). One was netted at Big Bend Ranch State Natural Area,
Presidio on 29 October 1992 (KB; 1992-165, TPRF #xxxx). A
photograph documenting this record was published in AB 47:120.
Henslow's Sparrow (Ammodramus henslowsii) (22). One was
in Corpus Christi, Nueces on 30 December 1972 (CBe, JSm; 1992-
107). One was at Attwater Prairie Chicken NWR, Colorado on 20
December 1983 (WSh; 1992-103). One was in southern Panola on
29 December 1991 (DW, MW; 1992-35). One was photographed near
Monaville, Waller on 31 December 1991 (JD; 1992-30, TPRF
#1074). Two were near Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Jasper on 10
November 1992 (RRa; 1992-151).
Golden-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla) (11).
One immature was netted and banded at Davis Mountains SP, Jeff
Davis on 11 November 1992 (KB; 1992-166, TPRF #xxxx). A
photograph documenting this record was published in AB 47:168.
Yellow-eyed Junco (Junco phaeonotus) (4). One was at
Boot Springs, BBNP, Brewster on 17 June 1980 (PB; 1993-24).
Shiny Cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis) (2). One male was
caught in a cowbird trap at Fort Hood, Coryell on 12 June 1992
(GE, C&JJ, GL; 1992-81, *TCWC #xxxxx, TPRF #1083). A
photograph documenting this second record for Texas was
published in AB 46:1195. As was the case with the first Texas
record of this species, this bird was caught within range of
an active Black-capped Vireo colony. The bird was eventually
dispatched, and the specimen was preserved.
White-winged Crossbill (Loxia leucoptera) (3). One
female was in Aledo, Parker from 12 December 1992 - 27
February 1993 (T&JN, CH, GDL, GL, CM; 1992-160, TPRF #xxxx).
A photograph documenting this third record for Texas was
published in AB 47:277.
Accepted Presumptive Species
Social Flycatcher (Myiozetetes similis) (1). One was at
Anzalduas County Park, Hidalgo from 17 March - 5 April 1990
(TP, OC, JM, RG, LG, MH, PMi; 1990-83). It was unfortunate
that photographs were not taken/uncovered since such evidence
would have supported the first fully-documented U.S. record.
As it turned out, this was a complicated record for the
committee to review. Some members felt the submitted reports
gave either incomplete or contradictory information, and there
was a sense that not everyone was reporting the same bird
(kiskadees were present). After three circulations of
indecision, the committee ruled to accept the record at the
1993 annual meeting based primarily on the initial
documentation.
Unaccepted Records
A number of factors may contribute to a record being
denied acceptance. It is quite uncommon for a record to not
be accepted because the bird was obviously misidentified.
More commonly, a record is denied acceptance because the
material submitted to the TBRC was incomplete, insufficient,
superficial, or just too vague to properly document the
reported occurrence while eliminating all other similar
species. Also, written documentation or descriptions prepared
entirely from memory weeks, months, or years after a sighting
are seldom voted on favorably. It is important that we stress
here that the simple act of not accepting a particular record
should by no means indicate that the TBRC or any of its
members necessarily feels the record did not occur as
reported. The non-acceptance of any record simply reflects
the opinion of the TBRC that the documentation, as submitted,
did not meet the rigorous standards appropriate for adding
data to the formal historical record. The TBRC makes every
effort to be as fair and objective as possible regarding each
record. If the committee is unsure about any particular
record, it prefers to err on the conservative side and not
accept a good record rather than validate a bad one. All
records, whether accepted or not, remain on file and can be
re-submitted to the committee if additional substantive
material is presented.
Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata). One (1992-146) at
Galveston, Galveston on 15 February 1986.
Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps auritus). One (1992-139) at
the Texas City Dike, Galveston on 11 January 1983. One (1992-
44) at Laguna Atascosa NWR, Cameron on 23 January 1992.
Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus). One (1992-143) at
Anahuac NWR, Chambers on 27 June 1981. One (1992-137) at
Anahuac NWR from 1-8 May 1982. One (1991-107) on Galveston
Island, Galveston on 22 August 1991. One (1991-133) in east
Fort Worth, Tarrant on 28 September 1991.
West Indian Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna arborea). One
(1992-124) in Austin, Travis from late May - 3 October 1992
may well have escaped from a nearby duck farm. As a result,
the record was unaccepted on grounds of questionable origin.
American Black Duck (Anas rubripes). One (1992-105) at
Hagerman NWR, Grayson on 20 December 1980. Two (1992-102) at
Lake Balmorhea, Reeves on 15 December 1984. Sixteen (1992-33)
in Cameron on 28 December 1991. Separating this species from
our dark Gulf coast form of Mottled Duck is extremely
difficult; it is probably the least appreciated identification
problem in North America today.
Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis). One (1992-104) in
Alice, Jim Wells on 21 December 1980.
Limpkin (Aramus guarauna). One (1991-120) old specimen
was collected allegedly in Brownsville, Cameron on 23 May 1889
(*AMNH 79775). While its identification has never been
disputed, the location of collection has been questioned. On
the back of a suspected dealer's tag on the specimen is
scrawled the annotation: "(loc. dubious)".
Purple Sandpiper (Calidris maritima). One (1992-126) in
Austin, Travis on 19 September 1975. One (1992-4) at
Freeport, Brazoria on 15 December 1991.
Broad-billed Sandpiper (Limicola falcinellus). One (1992-
95) at McAllen, Hidalgo on 3 June 1992.
Ruff (Philomachus pugnax). One (1992-155) at High Island,
Galveston on 29 April 1979. One (1991-83) on Matagorda
Island, Calhoun on 14 May 1991.
Little Gull (Larus minutus). One (1992-170) at Cooper
Lake, Delta on 10 October 1992.
Heermann's Gull (Larus heermanni). One (1992-138) in
east Harris on 24 January 1984.
California Gull (Larus californicus). One (1992-106) in
Corpus Christi, Nueces on 30 December 1972.
Thayer's Gull (Larus thayeri). One (1992-157) at
Galveston, Galveston on 16 January 1982. Three (1992-10) at
Boca Chica, Cameron on 1 January 1987.
Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus). One (1991-19)
at Boca Chica, Cameron on 2 October 1989. This bird was
originally submitted (1989-259) as a Great Black-backed Gull
(see Lasley, 1990). Photographs of this very badly worn
second-summer bird were circulated three times through the
committee and to outside experts. The record was finally
rejected at the annual meeting as its identity remains
controversial. One (1990-41) at San Luis Pass, Galveston on
12 November 1989. One (1992-88) at Laguna Atascosa NWR,
Cameron on 12 January 1990. One (1992-89) at Laguna Atascosa
on 19 February 1990. Two (1992-90) at Laguna Atascosa on 24
February 1990. There was not enough material in these last
four records to eliminate other dark-backed gull species.
Ruddy Ground-Dove (Columbina talpacoti). One (1993-14)
in Hidalgo on 13 January 1993.
Northern Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium gnoma). One (1992-50) in
GMNP, Culberson on 4 December 1991. Heard-only records of
this species which are not tape recorded (a pocket-sized
microcassette recorder is all it takes) continue to be
carefully scrutinized.
Black Swift (Cypseloides niger). One (1992-136) at Crystal
Beach, Galveston on 23 April 1983.
White-eared Hummingbird (Hylocharis leucotis). One (1991-
115) in GMNP, Culberson on 8 August 1991.
Allen's Hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin). One (1992-149) in
Sinton, San Patricio on 25 November 1992. One (1993-27)
photographed in Salineno, Starr from January - February 1993.
Since specimens of green-backed Rufous Hummingbirds apparently
exist, the committee has consistently not accepted sight and
even photographic records of supposed Allen's Hummingbirds
when hand-held measurements of tail feathers have been
lacking. Such was the case with the above two records.
Pacific-slope Flycatcher (Empidonax difficilis). One
(1992-63) in Brewster on 15 February 1992.
Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher (Myiodynastes luteiventris).
One (1991-86) in Corpus Christi, Nueces on 28 April 1991. One
(1992-164) at Port Aransas, Nueces on 2 October 1992. While
both these records were of obvious Myiodynastes-type
flycatchers, the submitted documentation did not eliminate
Streaked or even Variegated Flycatcher completely: the
occurrence of Streaked Flycatcher in Texas has been predicted
for some time now and bears careful consideration.
Rose-throated Becard (Pachyramphus aglaiae). Two (1992-98)
at Santa Ana NWR, Hidalgo on 29-31 December 1986. One (1992-
19) in northwest Upshur on 25 June 1991.
Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus). Two or more (1992-
140) in Houston, Harris from late December 1982 - 6 February
1983.
Black-capped Vireo (Vireo atricapillus). One (1991-127) in
Dallas, Dallas on 17 September 1991. This is not a review
species, but given the locale and habitat involved, its review
was requested. Most committeee members concluded the
description did not eliminate Solitary Vireo.
Connecticut Warbler (Oporornis agilis). One (1992-162)
at La Porte, Harris on 4-5 November 1992.
Gray-crowned Yellowthroat (Geothlypis poliocephala). One
(1993-20) at Santa Ana NWR, Hidalgo from 30 December 1992 - 2
January 1993.
Yellow Grosbeak (Pheucticus chrysopeplus). One (1992-114)
in BBNP, Brewster on 9 September 1992.
Henslow's Sparrow (Ammodramus henslowii). One or more
(1991-109) at College Station, Brazos on 15 December 1990.
One (1991-110) at Attwater Prairie Chicken NWR, Colorado on 19
December 1990.
Shiny Cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis). Two or three (1991-
82) at Anahuac NWR, Chambers on 21 April 1991.
Literature Cited
American Ornithologists Union. 1983. Checklist of North
American birds, 6th ed. American Ornith. Union,
Baltimore, MD.
Arnold, K. A. 1984. Decisions of the T.O.S. Bird Records
Committee for 1984. Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 17(1&2):18-
19.
------. 1985. Decisions of the T.O.S. Bird Records Committee
for 1985. Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 18(1&2):31-32.
Dittmann, D. L., and G. W. Lasley. 1992. How to document
rare birds. Birding 24:145-159.
Haynie, C. B. 1992. Texas Bird Records Committee Report for
1991. Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 25(1):2-12.
------. 1992. Texas Bird Records Committee Report for 1992.
Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 25(2):30-41.
Lasley, G. W. 1988. Texas Bird Records Committee Report for
1987. Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 21(1&2):25-32.
------. 1989. Texas Bird Records Committee Report for 1988.
Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 22(1&2):2-14.
------. 1990. Texas Bird Records Committee Report for 1989.
Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 23(1&2):6-19.
------. 1991. Texas Bird Records Committee Report for 1990.
Bull. Texas Ornith. Soc. 24(1):2-15.
Oberholser, H. C. 1974. The bird life of Texas. The
University of Texas Press, Austin.
TBRC Review List
The TBRC requests details, including descriptions and
photos if possible, of all records of the following species.
Review List A. -- Rarities: These species, in general,
include birds that have occurred four or fewer times per year
anywhere in Texas over a ten-year average. The TBRC requests
documentation for review for any new or any previously
unsubmitted record of the below species no matter how long ago
the record occurred. The TBRC also requests details on any
record of a species not yet accepted on the Texas State List.
Red-throated Loon, Pacific Loon, Yellow-billed Loon, Red-
necked Grebe, Yellow-nosed Albatross, White-chinned Petrel,
Greater Shearwater, Sooty Shearwater, Manx Shearwater,
Audubon's Shearwater, Wilson's Storm-Petrel, Leach's Storm-
Petrel, Band-rumped Storm-Petrel, Red-billed Tropicbird, Blue-
footed Booby, Brown Booby, Red-footed Booby, Glossy Ibis,
Jabiru, Greater Flamingo, Trumpeter Swan, Brant, American
Black Duck, White-cheeked Pintail, Garganey, Eurasian Wigeon,
Harlequin Duck, Barrow's Goldeneye, Masked Duck, Snail Kite,
Northern Goshawk, Crane Hawk, Roadside Hawk, Short-tailed
Hawk, Paint-billed Crake, Spotted Rail, Double-striped Thick-
Knee, Collared Plover, Northern Jacana, Wandering Tattler,
Eskimo Curlew, Surfbird, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Purple
Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Ruff, Red Phalarope, Long-tailed
Jaeger, Little Gull, Common Black-headed Gull, Heermann's
Gull, Mew Gull, California Gull, Thayer's Gull, Iceland Gull,
Lesser Black-backed Gull, Slaty-backed Gull, Western Gull,
Glaucous Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Black-legged
Kittiwake, Sabine's Gull, Elegant Tern, Bridled Tern, Brown
Noddy, Black Noddy, Ruddy Ground-Dove, Mangrove Cuckoo, Snowy
Owl, Northern Pygmy-Owl, Mottled Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl,
White-collared Swift, Green Violet-ear, Green-breasted Mango,
Broad-billed Hummingbird, White-eared Hummingbird, Violet-
crowned Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Allen's Hummingbird,
Elegant Trogon, Lewis' Woodpecker, Ivory-billed Woodpecker
(presumed extirpated in Texas), Greenish Elaenia, Tufted
Flycatcher, Greater Pewee, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Sulphur-
bellied Flycatcher, Tropical Kingbird, Thick-billed Kingbird,
Gray Kingbird, Fork-tailed Flycatcher, Rose-throated Becard,
Masked Tityra, Gray-breasted Martin, Clark's Nutcracker,
Black-billed Magpie, American Dipper, Clay-colored Robin,
White-throated Robin, Rufous-backed Robin, Varied Thrush,
Aztec Thrush, Black Catbird, Bohemian Waxwing, Gray Silky-
flycatcher, Yellow-green Vireo, Black-whiskered Vireo, Yucatan
Vireo, Connecticut Warbler, Gray-crowned Yellowthroat, Red-
faced Warbler, Golden-crowned Warbler, Rufous-capped Warbler,
Olive Warbler, Crimson-collared Grosbeak, Blue Bunting,
Yellow-faced Grassquit, Baird's Sparrow, Henslow's Sparrow,
Golden-crowned Sparrow, Yellow-eyed Junco, Snow Bunting, Shiny
Cowbird, Black-vented Oriole, Pine Grosbeak, White-winged
Crossbill, Common Redpoll, Lawrence's Goldfinch.
Review List B. -- Species under special study by sub-
committee of TBRC concerning their distribution and status in
Texas: Records of these species will not be formally reviewed
by the TBRC (except for winter Swainson's Hawk and
Semipalmated Sandpiper records which will be reviewed), but
documentation is requested to assist in these studies.
Clark's Grebe, Cory's Shearwater, Muscovy Duck, Common
Black-Hawk, Swainson's Hawk (December-January), Aplomado
Falcon (reintroduction program in progress), Semipalmated
Sandpiper (December-January), Pomarine Jaeger, Parasitic
Jaeger, Spotted Owl, Williamson's Sapsucker, Northern Shrike.
Presumptive Species List. -- The following is the
official TBRC list of species for which written descriptions
of sight records have been accepted by the TBRC but the
species has not yet met the requirements for full acceptance
on the Texas List (specimen, photo, or tape recording for at
least one record).
White-crowned Pigeon, Berylline Hummingbird, Social
Flycatcher, Slate-throated Redstart.
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