reed warbler, germany (1 Viewer)

[lou salomon]

hi,

not questioning the ID, it was a singing male reed warbler in SW germany. it just says that reed warbler has a primary projection of 70-95% (harris/tucker) or 70-100% (van duivendijk). i have measured 63% here - what did i do wrong? abraded (or raised) greater coverts, tertials etc? i'm not so good with these so i'd like to learn.
plus a pic from behind to see the primary tip spacings and one for the head profile...

jane?

 

[Jane Turner]

It looks a really short-winged bird....

 

[KenM]

I believe Svennson starts RW at 65%-95%....what's 2%?

I've got a RW with 3rd tertial overhanging secondaries, and if it's head was held up more......

Nothing is set in stone.

 

[Tony Morris]

I'm sure slight angles and foreshortening in photos makes measuring really accurately difficult. Look at the trouble third umpires have with very low catches on TV replays, Cameras can lie!