ML645632340

觀察細節

***very rare; apparent hybrid waxwing. Initially picked out a waxwing that was obviously larger and plumper mixed in a group of 30-40 waxwings in flight. I thought I had a Bohemian, but was confused when the undertail coverts were pale. When it landed, I could see the undertail coverts were pale orange, while the breast was brown and belly was yellow. Also, the undertail coverts were thick and long, reaching the tail tip, unlike the average shorter and narrower undertail coverts of nearby Cedars. The wings were plain and did not show any wax tips or white. Meanwhile, the bird still looked big compared to Cedars while perched; proportionately, the bird always gave a squatter impression than Cedars due to a rotund body, thicker neck, and big undertail coverts. Hybrids are highly variable phenotypically, not to mention that it's unknown whether individuals are F1 or F2. However, the large size, thick proportions, and pale orange, thick, and long undertail coverts suggest Bohemian ancestry and should rule out pure Cedar. Meanwhile, the brown breast and yellow belly suggest Cedar ancestry and should rule out pure Bohemian. This taxon was recorded for the first time this past February in British Columbia by Franci Holtslander- https://ebird.org/checklist/S212033159 For anyone looking to chase, the bird was here early morning, from 7:45-8:30- https://maps.app.goo.gl/aFmjJbtRiyRPsNn59 And then after an hour searching it was relocated here- https://maps.app.goo.gl/EBxpMF4zsSUtmLQVA