The tail band is too narrow for Slaty-backed, on which it usually covers most of the tail. The overall colour of the bird is rather pale, which is not correct so early in the first winter.
While the bill is, as you say, quite large, so is that of mongolicus.
Good photos!
Geoff Author: ckn Time: 8/12/2009 17:46
Thanks Geoff.
KN Author: cgeoff Time: 6/03/2010 22:24
Having looked at this again, I realise this is not mongolicus.
I think it's just a heuglini. The greater coverts are rather plain, and there is no prominent inner primary window.
The rather narrow tail band suggests that some vegae genes may by present.
GeoffC
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