Wheatear Belgium (1 Viewer)

[Valéry Schollaert]

This photo was taken by Guy Wintgens. We'd like to know if this is a 1cy individual or a fresh adult. It was taken in Eastern Belgium un Septembre 2023. Thanks.

 

[Grahame Walbridge]

Ageing in autumn is trickier Valery and would normally require close examination in the hand to check 1) structure of PC, 2) presence of a moult limit in MC and GC (not always obvious in latter) and 3) colour of inside of bill (applies early autumn).

http://blascozumeta.com/specie_files/11460_Oenanthe_oenanthe_E.pdf

Since the OP does not allow close scrutiny of the wing coverts it cannot be safely aged.

Grahame

 

[Valéry Schollaert]

Ageing in autumn is trickier Valery and would normally require close examination in the hand to check 1) structure of PC, 2) presence of a moult limit in MC and GC (not always obvious in latter) and 3) colour of inside of bill (applies early autumn).

http://blascozumeta.com/specie_files/11460_Oenanthe_oenanthe_E.pdf

Since the OP does not allow close scrutiny of the wing coverts it cannot be safely aged.

Grahame

Thank you Graham, that's good then, we keep it unaged.

 

[Valéry Schollaert]

colour of inside of bill (applies early autumn).

I don't know this detail. On these photos, we can see the colour inside the bill. Same bird. Can it be enough ?

 

[Butty]

On these photos...

So, now have to ask... Are there any more photos - especially showing the upperparts (even) better?

 

[Grahame Walbridge]

I don't know this detail. On these photos, we can see the colour inside the bill. Same bird. Can it be enough ?

Still tricky Valery because you should examine the underside of the upper mandible (see link provided) which is not visible in any of the images. However, the inside edge of the gape is (still) yellow vs black in adult (1st image) which should confirm age as 1st-w.

Grahame

 

[Valéry Schollaert]

Still tricky Valery because you should examine the underside of the upper mandible (see link provided) which is not visible in any of the images. However, the inside edge of the gape is (still) yellow vs black in adult (1st image) which should confirm age as 1st-w.

Grahame

thank you very much

 

[Andy Adcock]

Don't the shape of the rectrices indicate 1cy in most passerines?

 

[Grahame Walbridge]

Don't the shape of the rectrices indicate 1cy in most passerines?

In many instances yes, but its not applicable in Oenanthe Andy.

Grahame