Posted by Phil Pickering (208.46.229.98) on October 16, 2002 at 19:41:10:
In Reply to: humm-dinger posted by Phil Pickering on October 16, 2002 at 16:30:59:
No expertise claimed, but after looking at a few photos I don't see anything wrong with a juvenile male Costa's here. Supporting this is the combination of the distinctive plump but stubby overall shape, with a very short body and tail and proportionately large look to the head, the relatively narrow, evenly-tapered wings, the very short, thin-based bill with a steep forehead/bill angle, the nearly even primary/tail tips, the clean white foreneck, and the lack of any rufous or buff tones anywhere. There is also a pale supercilium line, although it is indistinct - perhaps a juvenile trait.
Telegram from a Mr. Sbdowi Tcher?
Phil