Rock bunting? (1 Viewer)

[Couchepin]

Valais, Switzerland last saturday. Seems to be disguised as a linnet.

 

[StuartReeves]

Not that well disguised - looks like a Rock Bunting to me.

 

[Carl Baggott]

Rock Bunting should show distictive head pattern in all plumages - I believe, so I guess it does look good for a linnet.

 

[Couchepin]

Indeed, lack of head markings was the reason for the query, but what about the pink feet and long tail?

 

[Carl Baggott]

Indeed, lack of head markings was the reason for the query, but what about the pink feet and long tail?

Pink feet does pose a question, but the outer edge of the undertail does seem to fit Linnet better, as Rock Bunting should have white tail-sides. Also the streaking on the throat would appear to go against Rock Bunting. I'll go and get my bunting book from upstairs.

Carl.

 

[Grousemore]

I'd rule out Rock Bunting, but the bill in the second pic doesn't look Linnet-like...may be camera angle?

 

[Carl Baggott]

Pink feet does pose a question, but the outer edge of the undertail does seem to fit Linnet better, as Rock Bunting should have white tail-sides. Also the streaking on the throat would appear to go against Rock Bunting. I'll go and get my bunting book from upstairs.

Carl.

My buntings and sparrows guide by Clive Byers, Urban Olsson and Jan Curson suggests that juveniles carryout a partial moult between August and October. As this period hasn't elapsed then we could assume that your bird could still be in full juvenile plumage. The drawing of the juvenile has some similarities to your photographs though the belly is more buffish and quite well streaked. Some of the adult like head pattern is visible on the drawing - mainly on the headsides. There could be a hint of the head pattern shown in this drawing on your photo with the bird looking face on. Did you note a reddish rump or the white outertail feathers? The throat is also quite well streaked on the juvenile in the drawing.

Carl

 

[StuartReeves]

I'd rule out Rock Bunting, but the bill in the second pic doesn't look Linnet-like...may be camera angle?

I'd rule-out Linnet ! There is no plumage in which linnet shows chestnut-orange underneath. Or a long tail. Or pink feet.

 

[Couchepin]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Here's a bit more of the tail - seems to be one its more rock bunting-like features. They're not exactly unheard of around here, so, faute de mieux ...

 

[Edward woodwood]

More RB for me

first pic shows developing head pattern ok - dark lores and lateral crown stripe, plus features given by Stuart.

 

[Carl Baggott]

If this has worked there should be an attachment of a Linnet showing some intersting colours.

Carl

 

[StuartReeves]

If this has worked there should be an attachment of a Linnet showing some intersting colours.

Carl

Nice picture, but I can't see any interesting colours, certainly no chestnut orange as in the Swiss bird.

Stuart

 

[Carl Baggott]

Nice picture, but I can't see any interesting colours, certainly no chestnut orange as in the Swiss bird.

Stuart

Just to clear things up, I'm happy after having read up on the species that the bird is a juvenile Rock Bunting. I just thought I'd post a picture of a Linnet which showed orangey colours - cheeky I know!

Carl.