Brambling from Singapore (age, moult) (1 Viewer)

[orientaldkf]

Hi all, would like to get some help in ageing these two Bramblings that turned up in Singapore in November this year. Are these both adult birds (female and non-breeding male)?

Will also be keen to know if anyone can provide any insights on their moult/age and whether their plumage is normal (or abnormal) for this time of year (i.e. mid November).

Thanks!

Photo credit: Ronnie Goh

 

[Tote]

Photo1 is a male and photo 2 a female.
IMO there are visible moult steps in the greater coverts, at least 2 outer unmoulted for the male and 4 for the female, so they are 1st calendar-year birds in their 1st winter plumage.
Looking at the maps, Singapore is out of Brambling winter range. Do you consider them vagrants? Escapes?

 

[johnallcock]

I'd be concerned about the plumage state on these birds - at least the flanks of the female and secondaries of the male. Some feathers seem lacking or poor condition, suggesting possible captive origin.

 

[Butty]

concerned about the plumage state on these birds - at least the flanks of the female and secondaries of the male

I'd've thought the opposite: apart from the two very-restricted feather-tracts mentioned, the plumage looks pristine - even if captive origin is, obviously, likely - especially given how tame they seem to be.

 

[orientaldkf]

Thanks all for the inputs! We are trying to figure out if these birds could be genuine vagrants or escapees given that they seem to be able to reach the Kra Isthmus, with several vagrant records from that area.

 

[Butty]

Do you know for a fact that these photos were taken in fully wild circumstances? Pic 1 in particular has an odd 'close-up captive-bird' look to it.

 

[orientaldkf]

Do you know for a fact that these photos were taken in fully wild circumstances? Pic 1 in particular has an odd 'close-up captive-bird' look to it.

Sorry for the late reply! Yes, they were taken in a non-captive environment based on submitted details - in some shrubs along a jogging trail, adjacent to some urban parks/greenery.