Warbler ID, Iran - Willow? (1 Viewer)

Abraham Shokouhi

Well-known member

• Feb 3, 2020

• #1

I saw this warbler last week in SW of Iran where the temperature is almost mild in winter. I think it is Wilow warbler but my friends believe its p.p is not long enough for the willow. Would you please help me.
Sorry, the quality is low since it was far and the photo is overexposed. I tried to edit it without changing colors.

 

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ApusApus

Well-known member

• Feb 3, 2020

• #2

Distinct super, yellowish underparts, pale legs, I would go with WW!


Shane

 

RafaelMatias

Unknown member

• Feb 3, 2020

• #3

I agree that several plumage features suggest WW, but I can measure a primary projection of only 65% of the tertial length at most (measured on the screen) which is at odds with WW (WW should have a minimum pp of about 80%). Not sure what this is.

 

S

Simon Wates

Well-known member

• Feb 3, 2020

• #4

The warmish colour tones of this one looks more like a Chiffchaff to me. Really early for WW, almost unheard of I believe? I can remember the odd record from about mid-February.

 

Abraham Shokouhi

Well-known member

• Feb 4, 2020

• #5

Simon Wates said:

The warmish colour tones of this one looks more like a Chiffchaff to me. Really early for WW, almost unheard of I believe? I can remember the odd record from about mid-February.

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There is not enough information about birds in Iran and odd observation is possible. Let me know about the legs color. They are not black and are almost light flesh with no dark parts. At least legs not looks Chiffchaff.

 

S

Simon Wates

Well-known member

• Feb 4, 2020

• #6

Abraham Shokouhi said:

There is not enough information about birds in Iran and odd observation is possible. Let me know about the legs color. They are not black and are almost light flesh with no dark parts. At least legs not looks Chiffchaff.

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From the photo it is difficult indeed, I too think the primary projection is too short for WW and it is the best single feature for ID. I suppose its possible that a very early WW could get to SW Iran this early though. Are there any more photos?

 

Abraham Shokouhi

Well-known member

• Feb 5, 2020

• #7

Simon Wates said:

From the photo it is difficult indeed, I too think the primary projection is too short for WW and it is the best single feature for ID. I suppose it is possible that a very early WW could get to SW Iran this early though. Are there any more photos?

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Well, there is another low-quality out of the focused photo that I attached. I saw some chiffchaffs one day before this photo but not in the same area (not in mountains, in the plain) and for comparing I put a chiffchaff photo, too.
Hope it could help

 

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ApusApus

Well-known member

• Feb 5, 2020

• #8

Your 2nd photo confirms it is a Chiffchaff with pale legs IMO, the side on view shows the PP to be too short for Willow Warbler which I initially thought!


Shane

 

S

Simon Wates

Well-known member

• Feb 5, 2020

• #9

ApusApus said:

Your 2nd photo confirms it is a Chiffchaff with pale legs IMO, the side on view shows the PP to be too short for Willow Warbler which I initially thought!


Shane

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Agree completely now with Common Chiffchaff too. The only thing that was throwing me off was Abraham's comment about "pale flesh leg colour", which would be pretty unusual...though.

 

Abraham Shokouhi

Well-known member

• Feb 5, 2020

• #10

Thank you Shane, Rafael, and especially Simon