Subject: [China] Isabelline Wheatear (?) in Macau [Print This Page] Author: fkm Time: 13/12/2011 23:14 Subject: Isabelline Wheatear (?) in Macau
Members of the Macau Aves Society noticed a strange bird on Sunday (11/12/2011), when I saw it myself the following day, I knew I have never seen one before.
After some research, the bird closely resembles a Isabelline Wheatear, which therefore should be a rare vagrant to our region.
A picture is attached for your reference.
For those interested in seeing the bird, here is the location:
This bird looks more like a female/first-winter Northern Wheatear to me, from the prominent dark ear-coverts and slightly more horizontal posture than would be expected on Isabelline. However these two species are known to be quite similar, so more expert opinion would be great.
In any case, congrats for a nice shot of this rare bird in the region, as any Wheatear surely would be! =) Author: ajohn Time: 14/12/2011 08:24
Wow, great record!
I agree with Koel that this looks more like a Northern Wheatear, based on the dark mask, dark wings, horizontal posture and apparently fairly extensive white in the tail.
It's a species that has often been predicted as a potential vagrant to Hong Kong. I'm sure many people will be frustrated that this bird is 'so near yet so far' on the other side of the Pearl River Delta. But congratulations to Macau Aves Society on such a great find!
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