African or Siberian Stonechast, Saudi Arabia (1 Viewer)

[opisska]

This seems to be a topic that everyone (including my Birds of Middle East book) avoids - maybe because it's next to impossible? Both species are reported here by birders, African more often, but the records make me suspicious that the same birds are being reported as both species by different people

2600 meters a.s.l. between Tanumah and Abha, SW Saudi Arabia.

 

[Butty]

Could you give the date, please? 24 Feb?Thanks.

 

[opisska]

Oh sorry, yes, it's right now I often post these things from the field.

 

[Xenospiza]

I think it is readily identified as the local race. Surely Siberian would not show that much orange on the underparts.

 

[Brian J Small]

These are tough and I offer these comments only from specimen observations. European has to be considered, too.

The large white rump is present on both - streaking on upper rump a bit more extensive on African, but variable; on European typically well-marked but can look white
Underwing coverts are usually not as black on African as on Siberian - hard to see here
Flank streaks (as here) - even subtle ones - are not likely on Siberian
Primary projection shorter on African

As African occurs where you took these, I would ID them as that.

Brian

 

[opisska]

Great, thanks!