Lesser Whitethroat or Common? (1 Viewer)

[Dean Shaw]

I was wondering if anybody can tell me if the Lesser Whitethroat has any type of eye ring, the one I photographed at RSPB South Stack had a milky white belly and was much lighter in colour but had a faint white eye ring. I photographed a Common Whitethroat at RSPB Conwy the following day and there is a distinct difference in colour and a defined eye ring. I have attached a photo of the bird I photographed at South Stack.

 

[condliffen]

The bird in the photo is a common whitethroat given it's leg colour - they'd be grey on a lesser whitethroat.
I believe an eye ring is possible on lesser - even described as 'spectacles' in the Collins guide. (Other bird books are available... )

 

[Dean Shaw]

Thanks, just wanted to be sure as the underside is so much lighter than the rusty bellies I have seen on previous Whitethroats.

 

[Dean Shaw]

Common Whitethroat

Photographed this one a day later at RSPB Conwy, just wanted to post it here to show the one I photographed at South Stack is quite a bit lighter in colour.

 

[Stewart A]

Lesser Whitethroat

I Think this is a Lesser Whitethroat, it's a more delicate looking bird and its chest and belly are far too pale for a Common Whitethroat. We get these on the reserve where i work, 99% sure.

 

[HH75]

I Think this is a Lesser Whitethroat, it's a more delicate looking bird and its chest and belly are far too pale for a Common Whitethroat. We get these on the reserve where i work, 99% sure.

Both birds are Common Whitethroats, the pale legs alone exclude Lesser.

 

[Stewart A]

It's a tricky one, can be difficult with photographs. I know from ringing these birds, like with Chiffchaff & Willow Warbler that leg colour isn't always a sure way to id them. I've looked again and still not certain.

 

[Dean Shaw]

According to the staff at RSPB South Stack where the shot was taken there was a report of the lesser on Monday. They have put it on the board.

 

[Dean Shaw]

Another shot

I took this shot the same day (Tuesday) about an hour after the first, saving the obvios non-grey leg colour, this is too light-coloured to be the common whitethroat, there is too much white and less of an eye ring.

 

[lou salomon]

still a common whitethroat.

 

[P.Sunesen]

still a common whitethroat.

IMO Lou and others are right. I believe the quality of the photo (light conditions?) is causing the burned out pale underside.

Although leg colour is somewhat variable, it would be difficult to document a Lesser with pale orangebrown legs......

Peter

 

[Andy Hurley]

Also the ear coverts are lighter than the head, where Lesser would be as dark as the crown