ML91699321
Western/Eastern Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava/tschutschensis
Contributor
Date
Location
- Age
- Not specified
- Sex
- Not specified
Observation details
Putting it as WYW/EYW so as this isn't hidden from public output. Notes copied from EYW (same checklist). Remarks from 'experts': Per Alstorm in litt., in email dated 1 May 2017. "I feel convinced that all of the ones except the one from Gujarat are ’EYW’. The one from Gujarat could very well also be that, but due to the poor lighting conditions, I can’t be sure." Pam Rasmussen in litt;, in email dated 1 May 2017 "Yes, I would think this should suffice" Personal remarks: It is either a tschutschensis, or an intergrade of tschutschensis from what I understand. Putting it as Eastern Yellow Wagtail until contradicted with new facts/literature. Features of tschutschensis: Long white supercilium, broken eye ring (not prominent feature), paler grey on crown, forehead and nape than in thunbergi, ear coverts ranging from crown colour to almost black, white submoustachial stripe on throat is acceptable. Geographically, the ssp is rare winter visitor. Might be a bit common in eastern regions, but definitely rare in west India. This bird: Shows all the features of a tschutschensis, and a little extra white near the eye ring. I don't know if it is an extended part of the eye ring or should be considered as part of subocular patch. I don't know if it's okay for a tschutschensis bird to show a more white. Couldn't find any literature supporting it, though. Elimination of similar species: -- The long thin white supercilium -- eliminates thunbergi, feldegg, taivana -- Lack of any prominent subocular stripe - eliminates beema -- An intergrade of flava and feldegg, dombrowskii is ssp which is similar to tschutschensis. But it has all black ear coverts, and my bird has same shade as the crown I think. Also, a little more white on the suocular patch. And an intergrade of flava and feldegg would make a rare winter visitor here. Flava is a British breeding ssp and winters extensively in the African subcontinent. And feldegg is not-so-rare-but-rare winter visitor here. -- It is very closely similar to flava. Geographical location, thin supercilium, and comparatively dark grey head *may* eliminate flava. Although, the colour is very subjective here, the head of the bird is clearly in shadow. Referred to Pipits and Wagtails by Per.
Technical information
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