Mystery Bird.

RoyW · #1 (**permalink**) 09-03-2010, 06:12 AM

I thought that this might make an interesting mystery bird (possibly too easy?).

I'm certain that the more experieced birdwatchers on here won't have too much problem with it - if that includes you, perhaps you can hold off posting until you think anyone else who might want to try has posted?

Be as precise as you can regarding species, sex and age. It was photographed in the UK a few days ago.

rossy · #2 (**permalink**) 09-03-2010, 06:38 AM

reed bunting i think not 100 % sure, rossy.male

AshLee · #3 (**permalink**) 09-03-2010, 06:40 AM

Hee, hee - that is a funny one! It's Dick Turpin (or Dickie-bird Turpin if you want to give it it's full title).
I have my suspicions and if I'm correct, he's a male.

Good game, good game.

BucksMike · #4 (**permalink**) 09-03-2010, 06:54 AM

I would also have to agree with others that it is a male Reed Bunting (winter plummage)

Dogghound · #5 (**permalink**) 09-03-2010, 07:08 AM

Yes Reed bunting. Pretty sure this is a Male.

RKB · #6 (**permalink**) 09-03-2010, 07:48 AM

First winter male Reed Bunting, undergoing partial winter moult (head and throat).

Although one would have to examine it closely in the hand. It could just be a very old female assuming male characteristics. They can tend to get a bit more 'male-like' as they reach their dotage.

RoyW · #7 (**permalink**) 10-03-2010, 12:26 PM

Sorry I meant to give an answer too this sooner!

Either the species was too easy or WAB members are too good at this - it is of course 'Dickie-bird Turpin'

(thanks for that Ash!, more commonly called a Reed Bunting!. I thought that it might be interesting because its a sort of 'inbetween' plumage that field guides don't often show because of limited space.
As for the age and sex, I thought that I'd see what people had to say - I'm not actually sure about either! I'm most inclined to say that it is one of last years young males starting to moult into its first breeding plumage. I had considered an old female though, as suggested by RKB. From other angles more of a black breast patch is visible - but as the centre of the throat is still white a well marked old female is not entirely ruled out

.

Another image of this bird (taken in early March), + one of a more typical winter male (taken in January - most now have almost black heads) are attached below.