Monday, August 2, 2010

Quiz #359 (2010-3-04) Solution


Click on picture(s) for a larger view.

Answer by Tony Leukering

Wow, that rufous shoulder is quite distinct! Of course, that rufous is really near the wrist, but hey, who's keeping score? Oh, I am.

That extensive rufous on the wing on a small bird (note comparison to leaf size) really rules out most ABA-area passerines, leaving a short and eclectic solution set: Great Kiskadee; Canyon Wren; Dusky Thrush; Rufous-backed Robin (Thrush); Brown Thrasher; Bachman's, Rufous-winged, American Tree, Black-chinned, Henslow's, Seaside, Fox, Song, and Swamp sparrows; McCown's and Lapland longspurs; Rustic Bunting; Dickcissel; and Red-winged Blackbird. The long pale superciliary, gray crown and nape, black-streaked back, and brown rump and tail eliminate most of the above. Finally, the placement of the rufous (lesser and median coverts, but not greater coverts or remiges) leaves us only one option.

I took this photo of a territorial male Dickcissel near Jumbo Res., Sedgwick Co., CO, on 19 June 2010. I provide, below, another view of the beastie to confirm the ID for any doubting Thomases (and I'm not cracking wise on Mr. Hall, who got the right ID).


Incorrect species provided as answers:
Dusky Thrush - 1

Congratulations to the 15 of 16 getting the quiz correct:
Tyler Bell
Chuck Carlson
Kyle Huffstater
Su Snyder
Bryan Guarente
Joel Such
Kirk Huffstater
Al Guarente
Marcel Such
Thomas Hall
Robert McNab
Margie Joy
Peter Wilkinson
Kevin Kerr
Joe Bens

Answer: Dickcissel