nonofung

Hi, I have just joined the forum and this is my first post. I birded Hong Kong for the first time last week and near Mai Po encountered this bird which I cannot identify. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
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lchunfai

sorry..
there is no photo....

Can you upload one????

nonofung

trying again to insert the missing photo !!

DSC03718-1.JPG (22.18 KB)
missing photo

16/10/2008 07:36

[ Last edited by nonofung at 16/10/2008 07:36 ]

fforrest

It is a Siberian Stonechat.

Please don't forget to mention exact date of your photo.

Regards,

Forrest

nonofung

Many thanks indeed, Forrest. I have the HKBWS Photgraphic Guide only, which does not include the Siberian. I did think that the closest it resembles is the male Common Stonechat. Needless to say it is a lifer for me.
The photo was taken on 12th October at the start of the approach road to Mai Po reserve where I joined the first of its Magic of Migration walks.

dick

亦即係common stonechat

nonofung

hey thanks. my education continues....

ajohn

The names Common Stonechat and Siberian Stonechat actually apply to the same species. It is a slightly complicated situation because many people believe the birds in this part of the world are different to the birds in Europe and treat them as different species (Siberian Stonechat).  Other people think they are all the same species (Common Stonechat).

On the official Hong Kong list, the species is still listed as Common Stonechat.

nonofung

Thanks for elaborating and clarifying...........

nonofung

Back home i am now able to consult my other reference, the Collins Field Guide to the Birds of S E Asia by King et al and learns that in fall "black parts are mostly buffy brown, but gradually become black by spring." This clarifies for me why my photo shows a brown crown and why i failed to id it without seeking the good help of this forum..
King also notes its distribution as including Eurasia and gives its common name as simply Stonechat (saxicola torquata).