mightyflier
New member

So if I understand the field guides, white-based neck feathers argues in favor of Chihuahan Raven and is a pretty strong field mark. (Also the day was partly overcast so I don't think the feathers are appearing falsely white from glare.)
However, Chihuahan is rare for northwest New Mexico, and the head profile is more like the Common Raven pictures I see.
So which is it? Could this be a hybrid? Do these ravens hybridize?
Also, is this an immature or just a molting bird or either? Sibley's field guide seems to suggest that immatures expose neck feather bases but this could just be an effect of not having enough space to clarify everything.
However, Chihuahan is rare for northwest New Mexico, and the head profile is more like the Common Raven pictures I see.
So which is it? Could this be a hybrid? Do these ravens hybridize?
Also, is this an immature or just a molting bird or either? Sibley's field guide seems to suggest that immatures expose neck feather bases but this could just be an effect of not having enough space to clarify everything.