ML471272901

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Very handsome adult in alternate-plumage. Reddish wash on the flanks barely reaching the area above the legs. Only the distal quarter of the bill showed dark pigment, the remainder was bright orange consistent with breeding condition. Legs were dark gray. The fresh tertials were richly colored with narrow black bars radiating from the dark central shaft. By digiscoping, I was able to get some useful documentation photos. In terms of subspecies, I'm inclined to rely on plumage rather than structure. That said I think it was too large and lanky for Asiatic subspecies _melanuroides_. The vibrance of the red wash and the strength of the barring seems more consistent with _islandica_ than with nominate _limosa_. However, the brightness of the supercilium might be more in line with nominate. Note: Compared to females, males tend to have brighter red tones, are shorter-billed, and have more extensive barring on the underparts. Thus sex-related differences can hamper subspecific identification. A number of reports on this individual were submitted to NYSARC and accepted (NYSARC 2001-12-A/G).

Technical information

Dimensions

521 pixels x 427 pixels

Original file size

51.97 KB