In my opinion the plumage of this bird is unlike any Short-billed Dowitcher
and fits all expected features of Long-billed Dowitcher. Key features are:
1. Spotting across the foreneck
2. Black centered scapular feathers with contrasting white fringes
Other features supportive of Long-billed include barring on the sides of
the breast, a straight (not angled) lore line between the eye in the bill,
and bill length.
The previous post identifying it as a Short-billed was incorrect in a
number of points. In particular this plumage of this bird is impossible
for a Short-billed of the race L. g. caurinus which never has the
underparts completely colored. If it is a Short-billed, it would have to
be the interior race L. g. hendersoni which can look very much like a
Long-billed. However I believe hendersoni can be eliminated by the
foreneck and scapular pattern.
The previous post seemed to focus too much on structural "jizz" differences
which are variable, hard to assess, and often overlapping. That said, voice
recordings would be a nice addition to the record. But I would be very
surprised if they did not confirm Long-billed.
On Sat, 15 Nov 2014 20:05:41 +1100, martin cachard <>
wrote:
>hello everyone,
>is it clear as yet which species this straggling Dowitcher is ??
>
>I recall reading some interesting stuff here a couple of days ago that
>suggested strongly that this bird could be actually a Short-billed - posted by
>a local showing ID notes from a Northern Hemisphere birder colleague who has a
>great deal of experience with both this species & Long-billed on migration, &
>in the hand from banding studies... if my memory serves me rightly, he was
>suggesting a female due to the Oz stragglers long-ish bill, amongst other
>characters...
>maybe someone should get some voice recordings of this individual to aid in
>the actual ID...??
>
>just a thought...
>cheers,
>martin cachard,
>cairns
>
>
>
>> From:
>> Date: Sat, 15 Nov 2014 18:51:15 +1100
>> To: ;
>> Subject: [Birding-Aus] Dowitcher
>>
>> Hi Birders,
>>
>> I'm embarking on a healthy drive tonight from the Central Coast NSW to
>> hopefully see the LBD tomorrow. Aiming to be there around 11am. More
>> impressive, I've brought my loving wife and both kids. I'm very restricted
>> for time and I'd greatly appreciate if anyone visiting tomorrow would be
>> kind enough to call or message me if the bird is found 0415904710 (and
>> please ask it to stay put until I get there). Alternatively, if you'd like
>> to exchange numbers feel free to text me.
>>
>> Thanks in advanced
>>
>> Tim Faulkner
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
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Joseph Morlan, Pacifica, CA
"It turns out we're very good at not seeing things" - Jack Hitt
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