Lesser Whitethroat - which race? (1 Viewer)

[Ilya Maclean]

Pretty sure this one isn't an Orphean Warbler:-;

http://piratebirding.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/lesser-whitethroat-in-my-garden.html

Any thoughts on which race? Seen earlier today on the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall, UK

 

[KenM]

Pretty sure this one isn't an Orphean Warbler:-;

You'll probably be not too disappointed, with the general consensus on this one!

I would say It's probably impossible to tell...here are some shots of a (very well marked Sep/late October bird, that was feeding in the tree canopy, central London last year.

Cheers

 

[Ilya Maclean]

I suspect your right in that you can't attribute it to minula or halimodendri, but suspect in theory nominate can be ruled out. Yours presumably is a standard curruca (distinct mask, no evidence of white on tail or brown extending up nape etc.)? I'm no expert though

 

[Hotspur]

I think an open tail shot to get the extent of the white would be needed but blythi is the default now it has been reinstated. halimodendi a rare vagrant (the presumed minulas of the past) with minula being pretty unlikely.

 

[Jane Turner]

What did it sound like Ilya?

 

[Ilya Maclean]

Thanks James. I'd forgotten about Martin Garners blog post and the paper he cited, but just read it and like you he suggests blythi is the default 'eastern' (which is what I now suspect this bird is). Will need to look into it a bit more as it appears the goal posts keep shifting

It didn't call Jane