Lovely photo of a very interesting bird. Thanks.
As previously mentioned the bird has pale lores. This implies it is either a Buff bellied, Pechora, Red throated ,Richard’s , Blyths Paddyfield, or Spragues
There are many reasons why it is not any of the last four species – heavy flank streaking rule them out immediately. Pechora is ruled out as Sheung Lai has said - the primaries do not project beyond the tertials, a key feature of Pechora.
We are left with Red throated or Buff bellied.
Streaking of the rump the rump/uppertail coverts are a key feature in singling out the Red throated –Pechora complex. I am not aware that Buff bellied Pipits can have a streaked rump – I don’t think it can but I don’t know this as a fact.
This bird appears to have streaks on the upper tail coverts but the image of the area is sub optimal – have you got more pictures , particularly showing the lower back/rump?
The mantle is problematic. I think these are retained juvenile feathers giving an odd appearance. This is not in keeping with Red throated and more suggestive of Buff bellied , as Chun has eluded to. More images would help. Chun has also eluded to the fact that the overall tones of this bird are warmer and less grey than would be expected in Buff belied japonicus, this is more Red throated like but could be a lighting artefact.
I am getting some rufous tones in the ear coverts , which can be seen in 1st winter red throats but not japonicus. It’s a soft sign (ie doesn’t help much)
The complete eye ring and large black patch on the sides of the neck would do for both Red throated and Buff bellied.
Overall opinion: Could be either a Red throated or Buff bellied . Great picture, could we have more? This would help!
e-Ric
[ Last edited by RUWright at 28/11/2010 19:47 ]
