Bird ID - chiffchaff?

pete76 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-03-2010, 09:58 PM

Hi all, this bird was up a tree in my garden this afternoon - I assumed it was a chiffchaff but it looks awfully pale. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

solus · #2 (**permalink**) 02-03-2010, 10:07 PM

It's a slightly over-exposed Dunnock.

If you've got some photo-editing software, just try darkening it a little.

pete76 · #3 (**permalink**) 02-03-2010, 10:22 PM

That's embarrassing! It is a little over-exposed, but it was really that pale, much paler than other Dunnocks I see about.

AshLee · #4 (**permalink**) 03-03-2010, 05:51 AM

The variation in Dunnocks is a constant source of amazement to me and is something that the bird guides see to make very little of

darrenm · #5 (**permalink**) 03-03-2010, 08:27 AM

i agree it is a Dunnock

Have seen Dunnock with a fair bit of variation in plumage tones and had wondered if this was down to diet or a particular environment or perhaps down to various age groups or even a combination of all.

Light levels also play a very important part in how we 'see' any bird and colour and tones of plumage and even size perception can be affected by what the brain sees under different light conditions and i allways try to keep this in mind when birding.