Collared or Oriental Pratincole, Kazakhstan (Caspian) (1 Viewer)

Photographs taken yesterday and today, NE Caspian Sea.

Pratincole with rather short tail, red underwings and no obvious white trailing edge to secundaries suggestive for Oriental Pratincole.

At least the left outer tail-feather looks damaged and trailing edge might be result of wear. Because of this I don't feel save ruling out Collared Pratincole yet.

Opinions?

Not at all easy with many features that overlap and it seems none that are individualy diagnostic?
http://birdingfrontiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/dutch-birding-pratincoles.pdf


A

Thanks for the reply A.
I am familiar with the Dutch Birding article.
The bird was still around today and I was able to obtain some additional pictures.

The spread tail shows that the tips of both outer tailfeathers are broken/damaged, the explanation for the short tail. In the same picture there is visible contrast between the inner and outer web of the inner primaries and a small light trailing edge to the secondaries as well.

All indicating Collared Pratincole and the total of these features excluding Oriental IMO.

Very educative bird!