ID help please

[DRB]

looking for help on these 2 please

[htcdude]

Hi DRB,

Both male Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus)

Nige

[Johnny81]

Reed bunting but I think the bottom is a female.

[Deb London]

Male winter for me.

[DRB]

many thanks for the quick replies folks

[RoyW]

Top one is an adult male Reed Bunting, bottom one may be a 1st winter male (not an adult male in winter plumage though).

[Dogghound]

The bottom photo, is almost certainly a 1st winter male.

Would'nt mind another shot showing more of the breast though as it looks a little odd.

[DRB]

had a quick look at the other pics i took and found this one so hope it helps dan











dave

[Dogghound]

Yes 1st winter male. Notice the clean underside and central dark patch on the chest. 1st winter males may also show a grey rump like adult males, which can be another good way of sexing them in the field. The crown wears as they become ready to breed, with the small chesnut strands on the end of the feathers breaking away to reveal the black at the base of the feather. Even by the end of the summer some females can look quite male like with dark heads due to this. It also affects how quickly males gain breeding plumage with some individuals having darker heads than others at the moment (late winter).

[RoyW]

Originally Posted by Dogghound

Even by the end of the summer some females can look quite male like with dark heads due to this.

I held back on saying that it was definitely a 1st year male because a few females (generally considered to be older individuals) can sometimes be quite dark on the head even when not worn.
The additional photo is convincing though!