wren-thing

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ Back to Public Comments ] [ FAQ ]

Posted by Phil Pickering (208.46.229.139) on October 09, 2000 at 13:06:14:

I would echo Steve's comment - the upperparts are a different color than the Bewick's in my back yard, which are browner above (Oregon coast). This would presumably be the western interior 'eremophilus' race. The very grayish-brown color of the upperparts seems to be a good match for birds I've seen in southeast Oregon.

I would also add that the streaked look to the lower face is perfect for Bewick's. Just speculation, but perhaps this is a bird fresh out of the nest that has yet to acquire an adult-like definition to the supercilium? It does strike me as having a bit of a proportionately 'big-eyed' look typical of juvenile birds that still have a little growing to do. The wide lower eye arcs might also be a juvenile trait (more speculation). I think it's also possible that the atypical appearance of the facial pattern may also just be an effect of the photo and perhaps partially of the foreshortened view.

I've also tried to plug other species into this bird, but I can't make anything else come close to fitting, and since it looks very much like a Bewick's to me and shows multiple plumage marks for Bewick's, I haveta conclude it is one.

Cheers,

Phil Pickering

Follow Ups:

Post a Followup

Name:
E-Mail:

Subject:

Comments:
: I would echo Steve's comment - the upperparts are a different color than the Bewick's in my back yard, which are browner above (Oregon coast). This would presumably be the western interior 'eremophilus' race. The very grayish-brown color of the upperparts seems to be a good match for birds I've seen in southeast Oregon. : I would also add that the streaked look to the lower face is perfect for Bewick's. Just speculation, but perhaps this is a bird fresh out of the nest that has yet to acquire an adult-like definition to the supercilium? It does strike me as having a bit of a proportionately 'big-eyed' look typical of juvenile birds that still have a little growing to do. The wide lower eye arcs might also be a juvenile trait (more speculation). I think it's also possible that the atypical appearance of the facial pattern may also just be an effect of the photo and perhaps partially of the foreshortened view. : I've also tried to plug other species into this bird, but I can't make anything else come close to fitting, and since it looks very much like a Bewick's to me and shows multiple plumage marks for Bewick's, I haveta conclude it is one. : Cheers, : Phil Pickering

Optional Link URL:
Link Title:
Optional Image URL:

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ Public Comments ] [ FAQ ]