Long-billed or Short-billed Dowitcher?
Notice that this dowitcher has limited barring on the flanks and spots on the undertail coverts. Many Identification sources claim that Short-billed (hendersoni) Dowitcher's undertail coverts are spotted and that Long-billed's are barred. Furthermore, notice the white patchy areas on the belly and vent, which some sources claim as typical of Short-billed. While it is true that typical Short-billed Dowitchers possess spotted undertail coverts and white patchy areas on the underparts, this bird is a Long-billed Dowitcher. It is not too unusual for a LBDO to have spots on the undertail coverts. The reason for the white on the underparts is because the bird is in very fresh plumage and the fresh feathers have white edges that will soon wear away. Also notice the heavy spotting on the breast and the graininess of the face, indicating LBDO. The fringing color (deep orange and white) and fringing pattern (deep orange and white strongly demarcated) of the upperpart feathers also is typical of LBDO. SBDO fringing is generally a monotone bright orange, which occasionally bleeds into white at the tips. Comments welcome
Taken: 27 April 2003 at a re-use pit near Clay Center, Clay County
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