Wheatear and Lark - Mauritania 31/10 (1 Viewer)

[Jonny721]

I've spent too much time looking at this Wheatear and managed to confuse myself! Initially thought Desert but now leaning towards Western Black-eared based on the structure and pale throat, but it doesn't feel particularly right for either. Also any indication as to the age/sex? Excuse the terrible record shots of the Lark but I am presuming they show enough to confirm it as Bar-tailed Lark? TIA!

 

[Bewick]

Why doesn't it fit for a desert wheatear?

Pale inner greater coverts, pale lesser coverts and the birds overall tone looks fine for a desert wheatear- autumn female I would assume.

 

[Butty]

leaning towards Western Black-eared based on the structure and pale throat

Not with all that black on the tail: pretty much nails it as desert wheatear.

 

[Jonny721]

Cheers guys, like I said I think I had just looked at it too long that I was going a bit ID-blind!

Any opinions on the Lark? I am thinking that the complete dark bar on the tail should confirm it as Bar-tailed, just wanting to make sure I'm not overlooking something else.

 

[jogresh]

Hmm first impression on jizz and white throat (tail ambiguous when closed) is passage Black Eared. Interested in more photos & opinions. 🙂👍🐦🐦

 

[smiths]

The very pale sandy marginal coverts (paler than the mantle/scapulars) confirm this as a Desert Wheatear - as strongly suggested by the tail pattern too.