Are these Reed Buntings or Stonechats?

[Elean0r]

This pair of birds have been identified as either Reed Buntings or Stonechats.

"Deer Stalker" will certainly know the area. The birds were in fields to the inland side of the path between Hurst Spit and Keyhaven. Taken on my first day out with a new lens on 8th Feb this year.

Here's the picture, I hope. It really isn't brilliant quality, they were quite a long way away.

[Deer Stalker]

Yep, I know the area.

Its a pair of Stonechats.

[John]

Yep, I agree.

Originally Posted by Deer Stalker

Yep, I know the area.

Its a pair of Stonechats.

[RobinP]

The back bird could be a male Reed Bunting, difficult to tell from the angle of the bird though, any definite pointers towards Stonechat?

[John]

Look at the bill Robin. It is too thin for a Reed Bunting. That's an insect eaters bill. A Reed Bunting is mainly a seed and plant eater. It will take invertebrates in the breeding season.

John

Originally Posted by RobinP

The back bird could be a male Reed Bunting, difficult to tell from the angle of the bird though, any definite pointers towards Stonechat?

[big bill]

Have to agrre they do look like Stonechats (Saxicola torquata)

[ChrisJB]

A definite pair of Stonechats.

Regards, Chris

[bgvi]

stonechats

[stephen p]

Yep Stonechats. Every time i go to Aust Warth at the Severn there is a pair of Stonechats that land right by me, they are a lovely little bird.

Stephen

[Elean0r]

Thank you so much