Egypt (Sharm) wheatear conundrum December 2023 (2 Viewers)

[Earnest lad]

Looking back at photos from last years trip: I have returned to a bird I saw that I would be grateful for advice on.
I think the bird is the relatively common Hooded Wheatear (a species I saw several times).
The bird in question seems to have a Hooded Wheatear long bill. However, intriguingly, the vent seems to be buff or rusty, which , I understand, is better for Mourning.
Please may I request advice regarding this matter.

 

[Harrybongo]

Hi. I think it is a 1st Winter Hooded - the breast has some pale fringing/marking which, you don't get with Mourning, and as for the buff colour to the undertail coverts/vent, it's not as rusty coloured as Mourning, but evident in 1st Winter Hooded. Be good to hear other people's views /comments.

 

[Earnest lad]

Hi. I think it is a 1st Winter Hooded - the breast has some pale fringing/marking which, you don't get with Mourning, and as for the buff colour to the undertail coverts/vent, it's not as rusty coloured as Mourning, but evident in 1st Winter Hooded. Be good to hear other people's views /comments.

Thank you so much. Your appraisal sounds good. But I too would be glad to hear additional comments (no disrespect)

 

[Harrybongo]

Thank you so much. Your appraisal sounds good. But I too would be glad to hear additional comments (no disrespect)

👍

 

[Thijsdekruif]

The shape of the bird also points towards Hooded, it is very elongated.

 

[Earnest lad]

The shape of the bird also points towards Hooded, it is very elongated.

That is most helpful and , I feel, conclusively clears the matter up LOL