Bunting (?) in Tajikistan (1 Viewer)

[PhilSteiner]

I took these photos two days ago, about 2,600m/8,530ft above sea level. The face pattern doesn't look right for any bunting...no ear spot, a simple eye stripe, no moustache, dark lores. I see an eye ring and hint of a light throat, and it looks very large-headed. I'm lost on this one. There were lots of Rock Buntings around; Pine Bunting, Yellowhammer, and White-capped Bunting would be the most expected Emberiza species in the area.

 

[Grahame Walbridge]

I took these photos two days ago, about 2,600m/8,530ft above sea level. The face pattern doesn't look right for any bunting...no ear spot, a simple eye stripe, no moustache, dark lores. I see an eye ring and hint of a light throat, and it looks very large-headed. I'm lost on this one. There were lots of Rock Buntings around; Pine Bunting, Yellowhammer, and White-capped Bunting would be the most expected Emberiza species in the area.

It's a 1st-w, presumably fem, Rock Bunting which are the dullest and most variable at this time of year. The face pace is poorly marked, yet there is small amount of black around the base of the moustachial (2588) + the lower border to the ear coverts is absent. Also, the rump and utc's are merely tinged rufous which, can be absent in the dullest individuals.

Grahame

 

[PhilSteiner]

Very helpful, thanks!