Collared Flycatcher ID in northern Iraq – Iraq (1 Viewer)

[Iraq Babbler]

Dear birders
Recently, we were able to photograph these two flycatchers ( ad. male and Juvenile) in northern Iraq.
We ID ed the male as a Collared Flycatcher which is vagrant for Iraq, last record was in 1962.
This male was exhibiting broad white collar and white forehead patch (part of it appears behind the twig), large spot on wing base (the bird is flicking its wing in the picture), no white tipped median coverts.
However, I’m not sure about the tail appearance (should it be all dark? is it OK for Collared Flycatchers); however the tail base is not showing cut-edged white, but it appear uniformed dark.
We did not put any name for the juvenile bird (probably a 1st cy female ), but subsequently it should b associated with the adult male ID.
We appreciate experienced views for this bird.
Omar
P.s.
We have the Semi-collared Flycatcher as a regular migrant.

 

[Tib78]

Hi Omar,

I think the shadows in the first image have tricked you. The bird isn't black and white but it is actually wholly brownish; thus this bird is not a male in breeding plumage. The impression of a white collar is created by an overexposed patch of light.

IDing the first bird with this single image is probably impossible (though it's almost certainly not a Pied) but the second bird shows the typical tertials pattern of Semi-collared (with narrow and regular with edges). Hence I see no real reason to suspect the first bird is anything else than another Semi-collared.

 

[Iraq Babbler]

Hi Tib

I agree the light exposure has ruled out the bird in the first image, however both are autumn migrants. after examining the 2nd bird I agree with your suggestion of Semi-Collar and more likely fits both of them.

Thank you for your comment.

O.