Mongolia -- Ortolan vs Grey-necked Bunting (1 Viewer)

[Liebzi]

Hi all,

Got a few photos of some Ortolan/ Grey-necked Buntings from august/september in Khovd, Western Mongolia. Now looking back at it, I get a bit confused on some of them. I have attached a few of them, I feel all these fit Ortolan best except photo 180900441, it could be a female Grey-necked. Bill seems straight, eye-ring clear white, and malar stripe as well. Breast marking is a bit off perhaps, but should be fine on a female? Please correct me if I'm wrong, I unfortunetly didn't get a photo of the mantle

Looking forward to hearing from you

best

Anton

 

[Grahame Walbridge]

Hi all,

Got a few photos of some Ortolan/ Grey-necked Buntings from august/september in Khovd, Western Mongolia. Now looking back at it, I get a bit confused on some of them. I have attached a few of them, I feel all these fit Ortolan best except photo 180900441, it could be a female Grey-necked. Bill seems straight, eye-ring clear white, and malar stripe as well. Breast marking is a bit off perhaps, but should be fine on a female? Please correct me if I'm wrong, I unfortunetly didn't get a photo of the mantle

Looking forward to hearing from you

best

Anton

Agreed, 1,2, 3 & 5 Ortolans, the young birds (3 & 5) have heavily streaked upperparts and noticeable tertial step etc, contra Grey-necked.

Agree 4 is Grey-necked for reasons cited, very similar to this individual ML610231025 - Gray-necked Bunting - Macaulay Library

Grahame