Northern California Dowitcher (1 Viewer)

[sirijay]

Took this photo this morning near Oakland CA. Guessing Shirt-billed Dowitcher head/bill comparison, but unsure
Very much appreciate your help with ID. Thanks.

 

[qwerty5]

Bill length only works for a very few individuals, I don't know if yours is one.

I think this is a juvenile though, and so the patterned tertials make it a Short-billed.

 

[tom baxter]

Bill length only works for a very few individuals, I don't know if yours is one.

I think this is a juvenile though, and so the patterned tertials make it a Short-billed.

This is correct, although the bill length and shape of this one is firmly within the spectrum of Short billed and not Long billed. In this perfect side profile and excellent photo it is also showing a diagnostic perfect example of a loral angle that exemplifies the head shape of Short-billed Dowitcher and not Long-billed. In this example the most conclusive identifying mark is the plumage of this juvenile. It leaves zero doubt to the identification and further showcases this photo as a picture perfect reference for head shape and bill shape.

 

[Tucson Birder]

I spent some time recently trying to improve my dowitcher ID skills. Everything Tom Baxter just said makes perfect sense to me based on what I've been seeing/reading. Also, someone recently pointed out that Short-billed has a more flat-backed appearance and Long-billed "looks like it swallowed a grapefruit".

 

[qwerty5]

Also, someone recently pointed out that Short-billed has a more flat-backed appearance and Long-billed "looks like it swallowed a grapefruit".

Yes, but I think that's mainly useful when they are feeding.

 

[sirijay]

Thank you everyone. And thanks also for the great hints on ID.