Wheatears of Kazbegi (Georgia) (1 Viewer)

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Hippolais

Luca Boscain

• Sep 30, 2018

• #1

Hi, I've identified the wheatears I observed in Kazbegi (Georgia) at the beginning of september as Northern because of contrasting wings, with dark centres and pale edges of feathers, but somebody put in doubt the identification and well, I've to say that know, with just a couple of pictures, I feel confused as well. Any help??
The 3 pictures show 3 different individuals...

 

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PYRTLE

Old Berkshire Boy

• Sep 30, 2018

• #2

What are the doubts that someone has put to you regarding your identification and why aren't they Northern Wheatears from your perspective? Did you encounter any other species of Wheatear whilst out there, such as Black eared or Issabeline? It's always contentious to nail an id. from just one photo, such as these 3 birds.

 

Andy Adcock

Worst person on Birdforum

• Sep 30, 2018

• #3

Look like Northern to me.

 

CARERY

Well-known member

• Sep 30, 2018

• #4

I suppose the doubts concern Northern vs Isabelline? Recently there has been a very educative thread on BF dealing with the difficulties of the ID:

https://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=366652

In my opinion the OP birds look more like Isabelline mainly due to the comparatively short pp and the dark brown basic colour (instead of black) of the tertials and coverts with very broad pale fringes.

 

Andy Adcock

Worst person on Birdforum

• Sep 30, 2018

• #5

CARERY said:

I suppose the doubts concern Northern vs Isabelline? Recently there has been a very educative thread on BF dealing with the difficulties of the ID:

https://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=366652

In my opinion the OP birds look more like Isabelline mainly due to the comparatively short pp and the dark brown basic colour (instead of black) of the tertials and coverts with very broad pale fringes.

Click to expand...

Tend to agree so will change my mind, also white rather than buffy in front of the eye.

 

Nutcracker

Stop Brexit!

• Sep 30, 2018

• #6

Don't forget!!:

Hippolais said:

The 3 pictures show 3 different individuals...

Click to expand...

I'm thinking Northern for #1 (buffy on supercilium in front of eye, and greyer mantle), and Isabelline for ##2-3.

 

H

Hippolais

Luca Boscain

• Sep 30, 2018

• #7

Well, the first pic was of a single bird, while the 2nd and 3rd were 2birds together.
In the first individual there's like a impression of very faint dark mask, while in the 3rd photo I see an obvious dark bridle.
I'm now convinced to identify as Isabeline at least the 3rd and, for extension, the 2nd as well, that looks with the same wing pattern and was together.
But I still have doubts about the first bird... Other opinions?

 

Brian J Small

Well-known member

• Oct 1, 2018

• #8

All Isabelline

B

 

Pavel

Well-known member

• Oct 1, 2018

• #9

Brian J Small said:

All Isabelline

B

Click to expand...

Agree!
Pavel

 

H

Hippolais

Luca Boscain

• Oct 2, 2018

• #10

Thanks a lot guys!!