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Brabant Netherlands - Greater Whitethroat maybe...? (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Bertus
- Start date
Bewick
Connoisseur of WTL
Doubt they sing but while in France I did see a female make a grating sound while deep in brambles, potentially an alarm call.
Alexander Stöhr
Well-known member
Hello,
yes according to literature Greater Whitethroats can regular be extremly difficult to sex. See here:
And I was happy with a female (looking bird) by extensive dark brown (rear) cap, visible in the 2. picture.
But after Buttys comment, I realized that exposure and surely the device you see the picture is important. Thanks, Butty! And I think I can make out a slight pinkish wash to the breast.
After reading the links again, I think I cant sex this bird with confidence (and is the extensive pale lore a feature of a female?)
yes according to literature Greater Whitethroats can regular be extremly difficult to sex. See here:
And I was happy with a female (looking bird) by extensive dark brown (rear) cap, visible in the 2. picture.
But after Buttys comment, I realized that exposure and surely the device you see the picture is important. Thanks, Butty! And I think I can make out a slight pinkish wash to the breast.
After reading the links again, I think I cant sex this bird with confidence (and is the extensive pale lore a feature of a female?)
Bewick
Connoisseur of WTL
Yes agreed, unsure but probably immature.
Grahame Walbridge
Well-known member
To reaffirm and expand on Alexander's comments above, sexing and ageing of Greater Whitethroat is a lot trickier than most people realise, even in the hand. Suggest you read Martin Cade's post here 1st May which highlights the main issues faced even by the most experienced ringers. Just to be clear, the OP cannot be reliably sexed or aged.
Grahame
Grahame
Last edited:
... except that the OP's bird was singing. Or are they so difficult to sex that it's not known whether or how much females sing?
