Do I finally have an AHY female Rufous (1 Viewer)

zoutedrop

zoutedrop

• Aug 5, 2013

• #1

I started photographing early this year to try and catch an AHY female Rufous. I have the HYF, HYM and AHYM confirmed in prior years. I am basing my call on the coloration above the black on R2. Please make my day...... :t:

 

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  RUHU AHYF.jpg

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zoutedrop

zoutedrop

• Aug 5, 2013

• #2

I just read some of my prior year postings and commentary by Sheri and realize this is a hyf. Bummer.

 

Tz'unun

Featherless Biped

• Aug 6, 2013

• #3

Yup, she's a juvie. Guess you'll just have to keep watching.

 

zoutedrop

zoutedrop

• Aug 12, 2013

• #4

OK, this time I think I have her. Note the worn rectrices and R5 is very narrow.

 

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  RUHU f 01.jpg

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  RUHU f 02.jpg

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  RUHU f 03.jpg

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Tz'unun

Featherless Biped

• Aug 12, 2013

• #5

This is a toughie. The understated gorget pattern is more consistent with a juvenile female, but all the rects look rather narrow for a juvenile female Rufous. We sometimes see that kind of tail wear on juveniles, but her body plumage also doesn't look too fresh (though Allen's start nesting earlier than Rufous, and early-fledged juveniles would be on the worn side by now). Hmm...

 

zoutedrop

zoutedrop

• Aug 13, 2013

• #6

One more attempt at persuasion.... here is a composite of 6 R5s. 5 of them have been IDd as Rufous HYF. The one on the bottom right is my latest candidate. There is clearly a width difference, rather dramatic actually.

 

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Tz'unun

Featherless Biped

• Aug 13, 2013

• #7

Yup. If that last bird is a juvenile female, the widths of the rects make me lean toward Allen's. If she's an adult (second-year to explain the gorget and R2), I'd have to lean toward Rufous. Sorry she's so ambiguous!