Bird ID, Kalahari, South Africa (1 Viewer)

Dave Kennedy

Well-known member

• Nov 26, 2010

• #1

This sparrow-sized bird was photographed earlier this month in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park between Namibia and Botswana, about 240 km north-west of Upington. It was at extreme range, so the quality is poor. I am leaning towards Yellow-throated Petronia, but the Park is supposed to be outwith its range.
Any comments re ID would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Dave

 

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YourBirdOasis

Well-known member

• Nov 27, 2010

• #2

I would guess that it is some kind of pipit based on the dull coloration, eye strip, and the fact that it is near water. Good luck!

 

birdboybowley

Well-known member.....apparently so ;)

• Nov 27, 2010

• #3

Nah, not a pipit - just coming in for a drink!
Hmmmm....not easy but the bill colour has me leaning towards imm White-browed Sparrow-Weaver

 

Tib78

Well-known member

• Nov 27, 2010

• #4

I don't think it's a WBSW, which is bigger, whiter below and shorter tailed than this bird.
Given location, it's most probably a Yellow-throated petronia. Face pattern does not look very typical but this might be due to quality of the picture.

 

chris butterworth

aka The Person Named Above

• Nov 27, 2010

• #5

It does seem more like a Petronia than WBSW so I think Yellow-throated would be the default bird.

Chris

p.s. Close YBO - Petronias are genetically closer to Pipits than they are to Sparrows.

C

 

Dave Kennedy

Well-known member

• Nov 27, 2010

• #6

Thanks, everybody, for your input. Much appreciated.
Dave

 

birdboybowley

Well-known member.....apparently so ;)

• Nov 27, 2010

• #7

Does YTP show a pinkish/pale bill then - can't find any reference for that in any fieldguide I have

 

rockfowl

Mark Andrews

• Nov 27, 2010

• #8

birdboybowley said:

Does YTP show a pinkish/pale bill then - can't find any reference for that in any fieldguide I have

Click to expand...

It appears it can do Ads - http://www.birdquest.net/afbid/birdspecies.php?func=view&slideno=2&af_bs_id=2178

 

Tib78

Well-known member

• Nov 27, 2010

• #9

birdboybowley said:

Does YTP show a pinkish/pale bill then - can't find any reference for that in any fieldguide I have

Click to expand...

At least a pink gonys isn't unusual: http://www.warwicktarboton.co.za/birdpgs/805YTPet.html

But honestly I am far from sure the bird is a YTP. See the difference in face pattern with the birds I have linked to. The subject bird seems to lack the dark line under the supercilium.


Cross-post with Mark...

 

birdboybowley

Well-known member.....apparently so ;)

• Nov 27, 2010

• #10

rockfowl said:

It appears it can do Ads - http://www.birdquest.net/afbid/birdspecies.php?func=view&slideno=2&af_bs_id=2178

Click to expand...

Interesting.....time to make a note in the fg methinks!