Short or Long-Billed Dowitcher? (1 Viewer)

spresutti

Active member

• May 12, 2013

• #1

Saw this guy at Fort de Soto, FL yesterday. I think I've narrowed it down to a Dowitcher, but for the life of me I can't figure out if its short-billed or long-billed. Any help?

Thanks,
Stephen

 

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Last edited: May 12, 2013

RJP

Well-known member

• May 12, 2013

• #2

The light colored belly on this breeding plumed bird points to Short-billed.

 

spresutti

Active member

• May 13, 2013

• #3

Thanks Randy!

 

D

DarkFireFalcon

Well-known member

• May 14, 2013

• #4

I'd say this bird is pretty dark and hunched back, which is better for Long-billed..

 

chris butterworth

aka The Person Named Above

• May 14, 2013

• #5

The broad fringes on the upperparts, little barring on the flanks and the rather broad black bars on the tertial would seem to point to hendersoni Short-billed but the supercillium, behind the eye, appears to be more coloured than before it coupled to the rather long bill and humped back posture would seem better for Long-billed. Allowing for lighting conditions and individual variation I'd go with Short-billed.

Chris

 

Tib78

Well-known member

• May 14, 2013

• #6

Textbook example of a Short-billed dowitcher in alternate plumage.