Stonechat, Epping Forest? (1 Viewer)

[KenM]

These images were sent to me today from a colleague in the field.
Looks good for an immature 1st Winter female Stonechat to my eye.
However, it does sport a not insubstantial supercillium and a long primary extension thus, where might it sit in the Stncht. racial spectrum of things?

Cheers

 

[Alexander Stöhr]

Hello Ken,

I agree with you, its a female (type?) Stonechat.
Excellent picture quality makes the slightest dark centers to uppertail-coverts and some rump-feathers visible.
I had a similar bird some time ago, also identified by others as a "normal" Stonechat rubicola by all who have seen it. Thanks again!
Schwarzkehlchen (Schwetzinger Wiesen, SW-Germany, January 2009)

I remember that it appeared strikingly pale, sandy and creamy ("Desert Wheatear") and with a pale, unmarked rump when I first saw it. Therefore I suspected a Siberian Stonechat then. But this changed in different light conditions and with better views and pictures available.

 

[KenM]

Yes Alexander, the lighting is very important as is always a complete suite of features, however I do wonder if some features take more priority than others?
For e.g. subtle rump tone differences, slightly streaked or the complete absence of, the prominence of the supercillium…just to what extent and at what point does it become “subjective”.
Classic birds that tick all the boxes should be straightforward, but then there are those that fall between two stools, even primary projection can be misinterpreted, especially if fore-shortened.
A positive minefield with this group, think I’ll stick with the large white indeterminate gulls, after all they’re all b######s. 🤣

 

[Alexander Stöhr]

Yes Ken,

the slight streaks on the rump of "my" stonechat, only visible in close views/ scope and on good pictures excluded any thoughts of a Siberian Stonechat.

And yes, I still have much to learn with the "what is variation?" and "what is indication of hybridisation?" problem with the large Gulls. But there is/was so much help in the field and here on BF!