ML217180171

Behaketaren xehetasunak

Views of just a powerful head and strong bill visible suggested this species, and as it flew it appeared large, heavy-bodied. The tail was very short: growing, and not extending far beyond uppertail coverts. On another flight it flew up high and powerfully, flying some distance (c300-400m) before turning and coming back to almost the original place, landing out of sight in grass. Just one call: abrupt and distinctly stronger than Paddyfield. When watched on the ground, it reinforced the original impression. Quite thin-necked when it stretched, emphasising heavy body.Bill almost thrush-like. Belly whitish in the centre, with orangey-buff flanks and upper breast, where light and neat streaking. Covert tips all buff, no white.