ML125670271

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

**rare; adult; initially identified as possible Gray-bellied and revised to this taxon on 18 Nov 2013. This bird was tough to keep track of but was always obvious when seen, as the dusky color on the flanks stood out from the surrounding B. b. hrota and contrasted strongly with the white flank bars. The dak color extended down to the area between the legs. The neck patch was not different from the hrota, and we did not see other characters that might be intermediate between this bird and Black Brant, so we did not consider it an Atlantic x Black Brant. Solid field identification of Gay-bellied Brant is difficult, but this bird stood out from all Atlantic Brant we have seen in the color of the underparts. Chris also pointed out that the long white uppertail coverts, nearly covering the tail tip, appears to be a possible field mark for Gray-bellied, although this needs more testing; in the video this bird appears to show this more than most Brant around it. This bird was bigger than the average B. b. hrota, but a few Atlantics were bigger. Unfortunately, both of our SLRs had dead batteries and Marshall's phone was on its last legs, allowing a couple digiscopes and video. See video here: http://vimeo.com/62722397 and iPhonescoped photos here:

Technical information

Dimensions

3264 pixels x 2448 pixels

Original file size

626.42 KB