Julian thank you for your response. So you're suggesting a Cox Knot! I must
admit I am a little allergic for hybrid solutions but I can fully understand
your feelings. For those not familiar with winter plumage Knots in Europe
please have a look at:
http://members.lycos.nl/radioactiverobins/index.htm
then click index, then Knot.
Cheers, Norman
Julian Hough wrote: > Your bird is interesting and, as you suggest,
superficially resembles White-rumped Sandpiper. However, it does look
somewhat strange for a White-rumped in certain ways, mainly the patterning
of the underparts, particularly the breast and flanks. I don't have any
experience of adult White-rumpeds beyond early October, but the breast
pattern and blotch patterning on the flanks isn't correct for White-rumped
at all.
Looking at the head, I can't help feeling that it reminds me of a
winter-plumaged Knot - pale grey head, flared super and paleish ear-coverts
(White-rumped's have finely streaked earcoverts and a downward curving super
behind the eye - though posture in the photos could affect this).
Also, the bill shape doesn't seem typical of a White-rumped - usually
shorter, slightly more decurved lower mandible in White-rumped, and again
seems somewhat stouter than I am comfortable with. Also, in the same vein,
the legs also look rather stout.
I'm not entirely sure what the bird is, and am reticent to throw in any
hybrid caveats, but feel sure it's not a typical White-rumped Sand..
Julian Hough,
CT, USA
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