Oenanthe piacata, or..? (1 Viewer)

[Muratfaik]

Can this be a variable wheatear-oenanthe piaca? Or pied, cyprus etc… opinions please. Thanks (It was taken in April 2023-Göksu delta-Mersin-Turkey).

 

[mummymonkey]

Looks okay for pied wheatear to me. It's a bit west for variable wheatear no?

 

[Muratfaik]

The black bib lies too much down for a pied wheatear, almost reaches to the breast, and greater coverts has white line..., which are indicating variable wheatear. On the other hand, Göksu Delta has much potential for eastern Palearctic species. Many asian species recorded in that area including caspian plover. Also I found this wariable wheatear picture (taken in India), which is quite similar to this bird:

Variable Wheatear,કાબરો પીદ્દો, સ્ટ્રીકલેન્ડનો પીદ્દો

 

[Butty]

Looks fine for pied wheatear - no reason to think it's variable wheatear, especially given how very rare that would be.

black bib lies too much down for a pied wheatear

No, it doesn't.

greater coverts has white line..., which are indicating variable wheatear

What's your source for this (supposed) feature?

 

[Grahame Walbridge]

As Butty says, looks fine for Pied, a 2cy on account of the worn (brown) primaries, outer greater coverts, alula and primary coverts creating a clearly visible moult limit. The bird's posture adds to the impression the black bib is more extensive. A similar bird ML331271381 Pied Wheatear Macaulay Library

Grahame

 

[igorfest]

In my opinion it's 2cy Cyprus Pied Wheatear. Short primary projection, big head, short tail, long black tip on each rectrices, glossy black patches on the plumage (moulting to full adult), thick white supercilium over the eye contrasting with solid dark crown and long dark stripes on the breast bottom (this last showing a rather strong orange-buff suffusion).

Look at this eBird photograph illustrating a very similar individual recognized as a Cyprus P W, shot in spring 2021 in southern Turkey (Antalya):

ML321346301 - Cyprus Wheatear - Macaulay Library

Macaulay Library ML321346301; © Orhan Gül; Antalya, Türkiye

macaulaylibrary.org

Let me know a feedback about my proposal...

Ciao, Igor, Italy

 

[Muratfaik]

Looks fine for pied wheatear - no reason to think it's variable wheatear, especially given how very rare that would be.

No, it doesn't.

What's your source for this (supposed) feature?

I remember read on this forum, referencing that “handbook of western palearctic”. I have the concise edition with me, but I did not find this detail. I will check on the original chapter soon.

 

[Muratfaik]

I just turn back from a bird trip and took tousands of pictures. I did not classified the bird pictures yet. But many interesting birds visually captured. Here is another photo of same bird, thay may help better identification.

 

[Grahame Walbridge]

In my opinion it's 2cy Cyprus Pied Wheatear. Short primary projection, big head, short tail, long black tip on each rectrices, glossy black patches on the plumage (moulting to full adult), thick white supercilium over the eye contrasting with solid dark crown and long dark stripes on the breast bottom (this last showing a rather strong orange-buff suffusion).

Look at this eBird photograph illustrating a very similar individual recognized as a Cyprus P W, shot in spring 2021 in southern Turkey (Antalya):

ML321346301 - Cyprus Wheatear - Macaulay Library

Macaulay Library ML321346301; © Orhan Gül; Antalya, Türkiye

macaulaylibrary.org

Let me know a feedback about my proposal...

Ciao, Igor, Italy

Hi Igor, head pattern can be matched by 2cy Pied as my link illustrates and, regarding tail pattern, there is much variation creating an overlap. One really needs a rear view of the rump to assess the extent in relation to the tertials. However, agree the pp does appear too short for Pied, even when taking account of posture/angle and so, on reflection, Cyprus Pied would seem a good call.

Grahame

 

[Muratfaik]

I found another picture of this bird. I think it shows better ID details… thanks for your interest