Sandpiper in flight ID - Trinidad (1 Viewer)

bugmat · Nov 13, 2018

Hi All

These photos show a mixed flock with 6 hudsonian godwits, a slightly smaller bird (yellowlegs) and one that is smaller than that (at the bottom). I think it's one of two species (both of which have been spotted in this area in recent weeks ) - a pectoral SP or a ruff. Can anyone help to clarify which?

birdmeister · Nov 13, 2018

Should be Pectoral. Ruff should show a broad "U" on the rump/uppertail coverts, which is conclusively ruled out in the third image.

JWN Andrewes · Nov 13, 2018

I feel like this is a Pec. I would expect to see much more pronounced white ovals either side of the rump on a Ruff. But that's feel, not know!

bugmat · Nov 13, 2018

birdmeister said:
Should be Pectoral. Ruff should show a broad "U" on the rump/uppertail coverts, which is conclusively ruled out in the third image.

Ok thanks. Couldnt find any clear images of Ruffs in flight to tell (on google).

bugmat · Nov 13, 2018

JWN Andrewes said:
I feel like this is a Pec. I would expect to see much more pronounced white ovals either side of the rump on a Ruff. But that's feel, not know!

thanks

Valéry Schollaert · Nov 13, 2018

It's not a Ruff for sure.

bugmat · Nov 13, 2018

Valéry Schollaert said:
It's not a Ruff for sure.

Never seen one, but my guide says those 2 are easily mixed up bar a few markings that could possibly be seen when in flight which weren't clear to me (the guide has no illustrations of them in flight as its a field guide).

Both are "rare" at this time of year - the pectoral because the majority of records end in October (though I've seen 1-2 regularly in this area the past week) and the ruff which is a rare passage migrant, but has been seen at least a few times locally the past 2-3 years around this time.

Valéry Schollaert · Nov 13, 2018

bugmat said:
Never seen one, but my guide says those 2 are easily mixed up bar a few markings that could possibly be seen when in flight which weren't clear to me (the guide has no illustrations of them in flight as its a field guide).

Both are "rare" at this time of year - the pectoral because the majority of records end in October (though I've seen 1-2 regularly in this area the past week) and the ruff which is a rare passage migrant, but has been seen at least a few times locally the past 2-3 years around this time.

One this side of the pond, I've seen thousands of them, and at first sight I exclude it. Not the right shape.

bugmat · Nov 14, 2018

Valéry Schollaert said:
One this side of the pond, I've seen thousands of them, and at first sight I exclude it. Not the right shape.

Ok cool. My inexperience with the pectorals in flight (and zero with the ruff) was a big part of the confusion.

Sandpiper in flight ID - Trinidad (1 Viewer)

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bugmat

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birdmeister

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JWN Andrewes

Poor Judge of Pasta.

bugmat

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bugmat

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Valéry Schollaert

Respect animals, don't eat or wear their body or s

bugmat

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Valéry Schollaert

Respect animals, don't eat or wear their body or s

bugmat

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