Pipit ID help, China. (2 Viewers)

[xuky.summer]

May be a Blyth's Pipit? short bill, distinct streaks on head and upperparts, the median-coverts seems all juv.
25 May 2022, QIngdao, Shandong province.
Thank you!

xuky

 

[Grahame Walbridge]

May be a Blyth's Pipit? short bill, distinct streaks on head and upperparts, the median-coverts seems all juv.
25 May 2022, QIngdao, Shandong province.
Thank you!

xuky

Hi xuky, yes, it is a Blyth's, but regarding age, large Anthus are very difficult to age so late in the season and this would require in-the-hand observation and likely involve (when possible) e.g shape and wear of alula and inner PC. All the MC should have been replaced some while ago; they are all obviously fresh and therefore all adult-type. Any retained juvenile MC's late in the season (early spring?) are very obviously worn with the (by now) white tips heavily worn. It is difficult to ascertain precise shape of dark centres without better quality images.

Grahame

 

[xuky.summer]

Thank you Grahame, Learned a lot!