Strange Mountain Bluebird (1 Viewer)

B

bobsofpa

Well-known member

• Oct 12, 2006

• #1

This photograph of a Female (note the eye ring) Mountain Bluebird was taken during the second week of September in Custer State Park, South Dakota.

To me it is a strange look for this bird (the mottled brown). Any input on the cause or is this normal?

 

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Xenospiza

Distracted

• Oct 12, 2006

• #2

It's probably a juvenile (explains mottled look) male (explains some of the strange blue patches on its breast etc).

 

B

bobsofpa

Well-known member

• Oct 12, 2006

• #3

I do not believe it is a male. Only the female Bluebirds have an eye ring, males do not. This bird has an eye ring.

Xenospiza said:

It's probably a juvenile (explains mottled look) male (explains some of the strange blue patches on its breast etc).

Click to expand...

 

JANJ

Well-known member

• Oct 12, 2006

• #4

Yes, a juvenile moulting to first winter, and a male due to bluish feathers on underparts. Primaries seems to be male bright bluish (female duller)

http://www.pbase.com/jvhigbee/image/47956805

JanJ

 

Xenospiza

Distracted

• Oct 12, 2006

• #5

Adult males have an eyering, but it's inconspicuous, 'cause it's blue. Juveniles (both male and female) and adult females have a whitish eyering.