wgeoff

Do you have any more photos, from the front?

I can't see the third photo, but the bird looks interesting to me.

wgeoff

For me, it's a Black-throated Thrush. First HK record.

Anyone confirm?

Where exactly was the bird at Pui O?

[ Last edited by wgeoff at 8/11/2009 07:41 ]

wgeoff

It's up to the Gods to decide but British Ornithological Union have separated them into two species, Red-throated and Black-throated.

This bird appears to have some reddish colour on the outer tail feathers, which is more typical of Red-throated according to the books, so I think we'd better wait for some more comments and perhaps some better photos.

Can Vivian give an exact description of the location please, because people are already on their way to Pui O?

[ Last edited by wgeoff at 8/11/2009 09:06 ]

wgeoff

Best way, just tell us where you saw it at Pui O.

wgeoff

Yes, OK thanks Vivian

wgeoff

I am confused. If hybrids can occur, then how can you accept that Red-throated and Black-throated Thrush are separate species?

Can somebody explain what are the criteria for separating species?

Anyway, well done, Vivian, a great find. It keeps us all excited that we can do the same.

wgeoff

Thanks Mike, very interesting.

The features you mention are those that we humans might use to differentiate species. Has anyone done research on what features a bird might use to differentiate species that would not be obvious to us? e.g. smell, ultra-violet light patterns, ultra-sound or maybe some other sensations we are not aware of?

Is DNA differentiation a more precise tool, or does it just complicate matters?

[ Last edited by wgeoff at 9/11/2009 16:49 ]

wgeoff

Thanks Gary.

I will try to get copies of them.

Geoff

wgeoff

Unfortunately there are no more photos of this bird. I am helping Vivian Cheung, the finder, to prepare a URF for this record and this will be sent in shortly.

Another Dark-throated Thrush was seen on Po Toi today (not by me unfortunately) and this time there are many very good photos by eling. Once again, it appears to be a hybrid Black/Red-throated, although this time a first winter female I think.