Yala NP, Sri Lanka (1 Viewer)

[beechwood]

Seen in Yala National Park on 7th February. I am thinking Cotton Pygmy Goose, Marsh Sandpiper and Siberian Sand Plover. Any guidance gratefully received.

Thanks, Phil

 

[THE_FERN]

Again, leaving the sandplover... Think the others are right (looks more like marsh sand than Greenshank on build but difficult)

 

[NickBrown]

Hi, I'd bet on Tibetan Sand Plover, based on the rather long, non-stubby bill and a lack of dark splotching on the flanks. The wing looks like it's covering quite a lot of the flanks so I'm not 100% sure on that.

 

[beechwood]

Hi. Thanks Nick. I do have 2 more pics of this one which may shed a little more light. What do you think?

 

[NickBrown]

It's looking rather long-legged, which is a pro-Greater feature. The bill still looks better for Tibetan, although I don't think it's completely outside variation for Greater. I'm far from certain, it's definitely not Siberian but as to whether it's Greater or Tibetan, perhaps someone else can weigh in. I'd lean towards Tibetan.

Edit: Do you remember the bird's size compared to any other waders? The difference in size can sometimes be subtle without direct comparison though.

I'll also add that the leg colour is more pro-Tibetan than Greater, although this feature can be very variable in winter.

 

[beechwood]

Wow. It gets quite difficult. I have read a paper on the lesser sand plover split (which may well be yours). I can see what you mean about non-stubby bill and lack of dark splotching on flanks. Also the marking on the breast does not form a complete ring. Leg colour seems less definitive. White on forehead seems to match Siberian pictures I have seen better than Tibetan in winter plumage but it is not clear is this is definitive. The winter range seems to fit well for the Tibetan being in Wilpattu NP. I don't know if it has to go down as a probable Tibetan Sand Plover rather than a definite sighting - but I am not sure if certainty is ever achievable! Thanks for the help.

 

[beechwood]

Sorry - meant to say Yala not Wilpattu

 

[johnallcock]

The Sand plover is Tibetan - bill shape, rounded head with large eye, long white supercilium, large white forehead patch, pale lores, small dark patches on the sides of the breast.
I think Siberian would be a rare bird in Sri Lanka. they're usually further east.

 

[beechwood]

Thank you all. I've learnt a lot about these sandplovers today. It is an area that seems to have developed a lot in recent months.