Dowitcher-1 was taken in Texas in April a few years back, and Dowitcher-2 was taken in January in Florida. I believe the Texas bird is in its breeding colors, while wintering Florida bird is in its non-breeding colors. I was thinking that Dowitcher-1 was a long-billed and Dowitcher-2 a short-billed -- but when I compare the two I am not sure. Very much appreciate help.
-
Welcome to BirdForum, the internet's largest birding community with thousands of members from all over the world. The forums are dedicated to wild birds, birding, binoculars and equipment and all that goes with it.
Please register for an account to take part in the discussions in the forum, post your pictures in the gallery and more.
Confused by Dowitchers (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter sirijay
- Start date
Based on the orange/white fringing on the feathers I would say D1 (orange fringing) is a SBD and D2 (white fringing) is a LBD.
See here for further; http://daretobird.blogspot.com/2017/08/dowitcher-identification.html
See here for further; http://daretobird.blogspot.com/2017/08/dowitcher-identification.html
My interpretation of the linked page differs from yours. I think these are both long-billed. Here's why:
1) Presumably given date, this is an adult in breeding colours. Bars throughout at breast side, no sign of spots. Angle of forehead shallow, no "kink" to supercilium. The shape of the "arrows" in the coverts etc is mainly blunt (white squared off and restricted to near to near tip of feathers, not extending up the side side of the feather--although there are exceptions). Against this, primaries appear long (short-billed character), although not sure how well we can judge this from this angle. Supporting character is bill length (long)
2) here, bill length, forehead angle, supercilium angle, primary projection all suggest long-billed
Happy to be proved wrong: any discussion will be valuable!
Andy Adcock
Worst person on Birdforum
AFAIK, this is a recognised feature in relation to the terials only and diagnsotic of juvenile SBD?
A long time since I saw one and no book to hand so apologies if I'm misleading?
Brian J Small
Well-known member
I did not realize the level of difficulty in the identification of dowitchers. Despite all of the amazing additional info provided, I am unable to comfortably make a distinction. Thank you all for the discussion and added info. The website that Brian Small sent was very informative - but way beyond my expertise.
RafaelMatias
Unknown member
Personally, I think that anyone who is not confused by dowitchers, unless they are heard calling, is probably deluding themselves.
