ML88921201

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Small pond below homes outskirts of Muktinath, mostly frozen, but 2 snipes. Obtained some slide photos, which I have scanned here. Quality in original slides seems a little better. Armed with only the Grimmett, Inskip & Inskip book, I thought these were Wood Snipes in the field, based on boldly barred tertials, boldly marked back & face, not the pale/fine vermiculated pattern shown for Solitary. I have since examined 1 or 2 Solitary Snipes in American museum collections. Those seemed paler with more vermiculations, but this is likely subspecific differences. These slides show the chestnut brown colors of Solitary which are diagnostic and match images like Checklist S32534741. Back in 2004 I contacted Richard Grimmett & the Inskipps about this bird. Richard voted Solitary - his email below: Dear Kristie, I can understand your thinking. The mantle does look dark, and the mantle and scapular stripes are very strong. However, I feel on balance that it is indeed a Solitary Snipe, based on the following: - breast and underpart pattern (the bird appears to show a white belly); - long bill; - general shape and appearance - habitat/location Wood Snipe winter in marshes in woodland, and at this time of year would be at much lower elevations. As you are probably aware, this is a well-known location for Solitary. There are excellent photos of both species in the Oriental Bird Club bulletin from 1993 (17: 31-35) and the Japanese photographic guides have good photos of Solitary. I have copied to Carol Inskipp since I note you have sought her opinion too. Richard Grimmett

Technical information

Dimensions

224 pixels x 188 pixels

Original file size

22.62 KB