Spotted / Mediterranean Flycatcher Mozambique (1 Viewer)

Hi all,

I guess we don't expect Mediterranean Flycatcher in Mozambique, but as this one is little streaked on breast, I wish to read some comments about it.

I'm sorting old photos I never had time to do... this is from 12th Dec 2011, on Ibo Island, Mozambique.

Thanks.

Very interesting Valéry. My opinion, fwiw: this bird is actively moulting. From my experience this is a not very straightforward species to age even in the hand, with adults a bit more sunbleached than 1st W. Body moult seems to have almost just started, with about 8 (?) new breast feathers visible in the pic (those that contain striations, or dark shaft markings). Those new feathers have well marked dark centers and it is to be expected that the old breast and flank feathers, now showing faint dark centers will be replaced by similar new feathers, with nice dark centers, which will give the bird a typical Spotted Fly appearance. The pale breasted appearance is, imho, just the result of sunbleaching, which by mid December must be at its maximum (which will be exacerbated if this is an adult, as the plumage is older). I'd say Spotted Flycatcher, but happy to learn. It's always interesting to revisit species we know from Europe in a different context.

Thanks Rafael, good analysis. Obviously not that obvious