ML107823691

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Old World Warbler observed for an extended period today as it foraged mostly low to the ground, sallying upward to snag insects, but also would fly-catch from the old pipes and machinery at the base of the hill. Overall size significantly smaller and more petite than a Lapland Longspur or Snow Bunting (only passerines present for direct comparison). Whitish gray underparts, at times appearing to have a weak yellowish cast to the undertail coverts. Undertail evenly colored and lacking any distinctive patterning. Wings and tail an even warm brown. Mantle and back slightly paler. Crown slightly warmer than the mantle, appearing more similar to the wings/tail in color, though the contrast was not always discernable. Pale yellowish supercilium terminating near the nape. Lower portion of face (malar region) a similar weak mustardy-citrus color as the supercilium. This color was also visible as a weak wash near the "shoulder" below the face. Dark line through the eye consisting of dark lores and a slightly paler post-ocular line. Muted contrast between the dark eyeline and weak yellowish supercilium/face. Petite bill approximately 1/2 the length of the head. Dull-flesh colored lower mandible to the bill tip. Dark uppermandible. Legs appeared dark (sometimes dark olive depending on the light) but NOT black. The bird was much less disheveled and wet than yesterday, but still pretty tattered.The tail proportions seemed fairly long in relation to the wings, but this could be a product of the birds favored position (tail held upward, wings held at a slight droop). Also noteworthy, the tail appeared to widen slightly from the base towards the tip where it terminated in a distinct notch. This bird held its tail cocked upward and wings slightly drooped for most of the observation period. It is possible the state of the tail/undertail coverts is causing the bird to hold the tail upward more often (missing or disheveled plumage). The bird often flicked its tail while foraging, as well as flicking its wings. The overall GISS of the bird reminded me of a Wagtail, or a New World Gnatcatcher in that the body appeared relatively round and the tail fairly long. It is possible that this appearance was exacerbated by the condition of the tail. The bird did not vocalize at any point while I watched it. This bird certainly looks like it was blown across from the other side of the Chukchi Sea considering the state of its plumage. Quite faithful to a foraging "circuit" going between the crumbling muddy tundra hillslope to the machinery at the base of the hill (especially the "Canica" machine). Can blend in well with the hillside, and is pretty flighty, only getting close if the observer remains still. This area is in the lee of the wind right now (winds have been westerly the past 3 weeks). Seems to be most regularly observed when the insects have come out (midmorning to evening). EDIT: The overwhelming consensus among Old World birders among whom the photo has been circulated has been for Common (Siberian) Chiffchaff (tristis). See notes from the original checklist for discussion (I seem to have maxed out the character limit for checklists here). Would still like to obtain some recordings if the bird would ever vocalize.

Technical information

Model

Canon EOS 40D

ISO

320

Focal length

400 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire, auto

f-stop

f/6.3

Shutter speed

1/320 sec

Dimensions

723 pixels x 482 pixels

Original file size

93.12 KB