Is this a pied flycatcher female (or juvenile)?

Richard Winston · #1 (**permalink**) 28-09-2009, 06:17 PM

This was taken in Spain this September, so not exactly wild in Britain, but if I am right, it is a migrant to Britain. A confirmation would be much appreciated.

aeshna5 · #2 (**permalink**) 28-09-2009, 06:21 PM

It is a Pied Flycatcher. By Sep even the males resemble the females, though usually darker tail.

Richard Winston · #3 (**permalink**) 28-09-2009, 06:23 PM

Blimey! That was a quick response. Many many thanks!

Picidae · #4 (**permalink**) 28-09-2009, 06:55 PM

Females/males/1winters can be separated by tertial/covert patterns. The prominence of the white edging on the greater coverts suggests a 1w/juvenile. Unfortunately not enough of the tertials can be seen to determine the pattern. Sexing young birds is more problematic but males generally show black glossy tails/primaries but some females can show this too!

Yes, also breeding bird in Britain.