cywong

Although this topic is locked in the old BBS, I would like to express my gratutide to HF_Cheung and johnallcock for their expert opinions on this topic.

Thanks for Sze's snipe information too.

Original message posted by wcherry on 9/10/2006
原文由 wcherry 於 9/10/2006 張貼


It is difficult to differentiate between Common Snipes and Pintail/Swinhoe's Snipes. Would experienced birdwatachers please help to identify these snipes?

Kam Tin 16/10/05


Kam Tin 16/10/05


Long Valley 08/10/06


Long Valley 08/10/06


Long Valley 08/10/06

Original message posted by Sze on 10/10/2006
原文由 Sze 於 10/10/2006 張貼


應該全都是扇尾沙錐! 不過都係等專家們確定一下會好d!

Original message posted by wcherry on 11/10/2006
原文由 wcherry 於 11/10/2006 張貼

Thanks for Sze's reply.

It seems that the snipe in the fifth photo has a damaged bill so that although it has a relatively short bill , it is also a Fantail Snipe.

Original message posted by HF_Cheung on 12/10/2006
原文由 HF_Cheung 於 12/10/2006 張貼

Let me guess,  

No. 4 is Fantail, it has the longest bill (2.2 times of head).   

No. 5 have the shortest bill (1.7 times the head) , I guess this is Pintail.  

No. 2 also have a short bill (just shorter than 2 times the head).  Also the fringe to the board pale fringe on the mentle is much thinner compared to other bird.  I guess this is Swinhoe.  

The other two, No. 1 and No. 3 has a long bill (2 times the head).  I think they are Fantail.  

Identify Snipes from photo is impossible in most cases.  There are simply not sufficient information to decide one or the other.  On the field, one should see the edge of the trailing edge of the wing to separate Fantail.  I also find the call very helpful.  

HF Cheung

Original message posted by johnallcock on 13/10/2006
原文由 johnallcock 於 13/10/2006 張貼


To me, birds 1 to 4 are common snipe. They have relatively long bills, thick dark loral stripe, relatively narrow supercilium, obvious dark cheek bar, contrast between buff supercilium/pale cheek, rich (buff) mantle stripes and relatively long tails.

Bird 5 appears to be Pintail/Swinhoe's. These two apparently cannot be separated with certainty in the field, and require examination of the tail feathers which are not visible in this photo.  

I agree that snipe can be very difficult - any further comments would certainly be helpful!

Original message posted by Sze on 14/10/2006
原文由 Sze 於 14/10/2006 張貼


我睇呢度用羽毛去分辨咋! 都幾好用!

http://www.wwfchina.org/chinabirdwatch/20.htm