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Stonechat, South-east Armenia Sept 2019 (1 Viewer)

Richard Prior

Halfway up an Alp
Europe
Photographed near Goris. According to Shirihai and Svensson Eastern/Siberian Stonechat variegata breeds in this part of Armenia, Common Stonechat rubicola being found in the north of the country. I think I see a few flank streaks which would eliminate variegata and the orange wash of the underparts is too extensive as well isn't it?
Opinions welcome:t:
 

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Variegata would show white in tail too Rich. Common for me

The underwing pattern also confirms its rubicola, the black/blackish restricted to the primary underwing-coverts contrasting with greyish-white inner underwing coverts, while in Siberian/Eastern the underwing coverts would be solidly black.

Grahame
 
A friend and I recently discussed stonechats in Armenia, as we had both, during separate visits from each other, struggled to find any variegatus at all, yet found rubicola European Stonechat to be not uncommon in the country. I seem to recall reading that this is a recent situation, with rubicola having spread into Armenia? Not sure how accurate this is off the top of my head.
Here are a few shoddy record shots I managed to take of birds that I, perhaps incorrectly, considered to be male variegatus, for comparison with the subject bird.
Regards,
Harry
 

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Plus a pic of a bird that I considered to be a male rubicola.
Regards,
Harry
 

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