On the basis of biometrics Engelmoer & Roselaar (1998) recognize three subspecies of Purple Sandpiper i.e. nominate Calidris m.maritima, C.m.littoralis and C.m.belcheri. C.m.littoralis from Iceland being the largest and C.m.belcheri from the eastern shores of the Hudson Bay + James Bay being the smallest of the three. There is no mention of plumage diffrences between the subspecies.All birds from NE Canada to W.Siberia have been lumped into the nominate race incl.those of Svalbard which colour-ringing has proven to winter along the Dutch shore, an example of which can be seen here:




  http://www.radioactiverobins.com/birdscage/snipes-waders/purple%20sandpiper%20calidris%20maritima.htm




but what about this bird from Quebec? It looks different from nominate maritima. Is it a small belcheri from the Hudson Bay or a representative from Iceland's littoralis? See here and scroll downn to the 2nd picture:





  http://www.surfbirds.com/gallery/display.php?gallery=gallery10



Cheers, Norman





---
Dit e-mailbericht bevat geen virussen en malware omdat avast! Antivirus-bescherming actief is.
http://www.avast.com