Birds in Flight – ID guide: Recent Episodes
None
>> GENERAL >>>>>
– unmistakable, medium-sized wader, extremely long-legged
– diurnal/nocturnal migrant
– migrates singly or in small, loose flocks
>> VISUAL ID >>>>>
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus h. himantopus, AD F or 2cy
BIF3718, 12/06/2023, Bulgan, Mongolia, Mathias Putze
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus h. himantopus, AD F or 2cy
BIF3718, 12/06/2023, Bulgan, Mongolia, Mathias Putze
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus h. himantopus, AD
BIF0708, 11/02/2015, Ras Al Kabbah, Oman, Mathias Putze
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus h. himantopus, AD
BIF0709, 11/02/2015, Ras Al Kabbah, Oman, Mathias Putze
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus h. himantopus, AD
BIF1085, 04/08/2011, Besh Barmag, Azerbaijan, Michael Heiß
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus h. himantopus, M F AD
BIF1086, 11/04/2012, Besh Barmag, Azerbaijan, Michael Heiß
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus h. himantopus, F AD or 2CY
BIF1087, 17/04/2012, Besh Barmag, Azerbaijan, Michael Heiß
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus h. himantopus, AD
BIF1088, 10/04/2010, Besh Barmag, Azerbaijan, Michael Heiß
>> ACOUSTIC ID >>>>>
/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/BIF1089-1_1-01_MHExxx_110808_bwstilt-1-AD-1-JUV-FC_az_besh-barmag.mp3
– overview –
– detail –
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus h. himantopus, AD, 1CY, calls in flight
BIF1089, 08/08/2011, Besh Barmag, Azerbaijan, Michael Heiß
/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/BIF1090-1_1-01_MHExxx_110808_bwstilt-1-FC_az_besh-barmag.mp3
– overview –
– detail –
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus h. himantopus, calls in flight
BIF1090, 08/08/2011, Besh Barmag, Azerbaijan, Michael Heiß
/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/BIF1091-1_1-11_PFR05353-1_1-11_110412_bwstilt-himantopus-FL-C_kz_komsomolskoe-aue_MS.mp3
– overview –
– detail –
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus h. himantopus, calls in flight
BIF1091, 12/04/2011,Komsomolskoe, Kazakhstan, Patrick Franke
/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/BIF1092-1_PFR05582-0_2-11_110425_bwstilt-himantopus-SOC_kz_stary-talap-zufluss_MS.mp3
– overview –
– detail –
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus h. himantopus, calls in flight
BIF1092, 25/04/2011, Stary Talap, Kazakhstan, Patrick Franke
/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/BIF1093-1_PFR05362_2-11_110412_bwstilt-himantopus-EC-100m_kz_komsomolskoe-aue_REF-S.mp3
– overview –
– detail –
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus h. himantopus, calls in flight
BIF1093, 12/04/2011,Komsomolskoe, Kazakhstan, Patrick Franke
>> COMPARISON SPECIES >>>>>
Pied Avocet (v)
shorebird #wader
ornithology #birdmigration #birdID #birdguide #birding #birdwatching #birdsound #westernpalearctic #europe #vismig #flightcalls #middleeast #northernafrica #workinprogress
>> GENERAL >>>>>
– medium-sized falcon, size of a small pigeon
– diurnal migrant
– migrates singly or in small to medium flocks, sometimes mixed with other small raptors
>> VISUAL ID >>>>>
Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni, 1CY F
BIF2617, 21/07/2012, Valencia, Spain, Mathias Putze
Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni, 1CY F
BIF2618, 15/07/2012, Valencia, Spain, Mathias Putze
Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni, 1CY F
BIF2619, 15/07/2012, Valencia, Spain, Mathias Putze
Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni, 1CY M
BIF2620, 21/07/2012, Valencia, Spain, Mathias Putze
Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni, 1CY M
BIF2621, 15/07/2012, Valencia, Spain, Mathias Putze
Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni, 1CY M
BIF2623, 22/08/2011, Besh Barmag, Azerbaijan, Michael Heiß
Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni, 2CY F
BIF3715, 03/06/2023, Omnogovi, Mongolia, Mathias Putze
Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni, 2CY M
BIF2624, 03/06/2023, Omnogovi, Mongolia, Mathias Putze
Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni, 2CY M
BIF2625, 15/07/2012, Valencia, Spain, Mathias Putze
Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni, 2CY M
BIF2626, 30/05/2023, Omnogovi, Mongolia, Mathias Putze
Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni, 2CY M
BIF2632, 30/05/2023, Omnogovi, Mongolia, Mathias Putze
Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni, 2CY M
BIF3714, 03/06/2023, Omnogovi, Mongolia, Mathias Putze
Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni, AD F
BIF2627, 15/07/2012, Valencia, Spain, Mathias Putze
Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni, AD F
BIF3716, 03/06/2023, Omnogovi, Mongolia, Mathias Putze
Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni, AD F
BIF2628, 03/06/2023, Omnogovi, Mongolia, Mathias Putze
Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni, AD F
BIF2622, 28/05/2010, Shirvan National Park, Azerbaijan, Michael Heiß
Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni, AD F
BIF2629, 03/06/2023, Omnogovi, Mongolia, Mathias Putze
Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni, AD M
BIF2630, 15/09/2011, Besh Barmag, Azerbaijan, Michael Heiß
Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni, AD M
BIF2631, 04/04/2012, Besh Barmag, Azerbaijan, Michael Heiß
Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni, AD M
BIF2634, 04/06/2023, Omnogovi, Mongolia, Mathias Putze
Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni, AD M
BIF2635, 02/06/2023, Omnogovi, Mongolia, Mathias Putze
Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni, AD M
BIF2635, 03/06/2023, Omnogovi, Mongolia, Mathias Putze
>> ACOUSTIC ID >>>>>
usually nonvocal during migration
>> COMPARISON SPECIES >>>>>
Common Kestrel
Red-footed Falcon
Eurasian Sparrowhawk
Levant Sparrowhawk
Japanese Sparrowhawk
falcon #raptor #birdofprey #birdsofprey #soaringbird
ornithology #birdmigration #birdID #birdguide #birding #birdwatching #birdsound #westernpalearctic #europe #vismig #flightcalls #vismig #flightcalls #middleeast #northernafrica #workinprogress
>> GENERAL >>>>>
– fairly large passerine, about size of Western Jackdaw
– diurnal migrant
– migrates singly or in small to medium, rather loose flocks
– in some years irruptions of Eastern populations
– foraging or post-breeding parties often mistaken for migrants in Autumn
>> FLIGHT >>>>>
– slow but steady flight during migration
– usually very low
>> VISUAL ID >>>>>
– a distinctively colourful bird
– striking bright blue greater coverts, white forehead and rump
– strikingly round wings
Eurasian Jay Garrulus g. glandariusBIF3702, 13/04/2018, Havelland, Germany, Mathias Putze
– isabelline body-feathers in combination with flashy wing colours make this species almost unmistakable
Eurasian Jay Garrulus g. glandariusBIF3703, 13/04/2018, Havelland, Germany, Mathias Putze
Eurasian Jay Garrulus g. glandariusBIF3704, 13/04/2018, Havelland, Germany, Mathias Putze
Eurasian Jay Garrulus g. glandariusBIF3705, 13/04/2018, Havelland, Germany, Mathias Putze
Eurasian Jay Garrulus g. glandariusBIF3706, 03/03/2021, Stüdenitz, Germany, Patrick Franke
Eurasian Jay Garrulus g. glandariusBIF3707, 30/09/2021, Christinendorf, Germany, Patrick Franke
– white throat and rump even recognisable from a greater distance
Eurasian Jay Garrulus g. glandariusBIF3708, 26/10/2021, Budy, Poland, Patrick Franke
– note the conspicuously round wings
Eurasian Jay Garrulus g. glandariusBIF3709, 26/10/2021, Budy, Poland, Patrick Franke
– on poor photos, without clues to flight patterns, the species can even be confused with large thrushes
Eurasian Jay Garrulus g. glandariusBIF3710, 19/04/2018, Havelland, Germany, Mathias Putze
Eurasian Jay Garrulus g. glandariusBIF3711, 19/04/2018, Havelland, Germany, Mathias Putze
Eurasian Jay Garrulus g. glandariusBIF3712, 19/04/2018, Havelland, Germany, Mathias Putze
>> SOUND ID >>>>>
– normally silent and inconspicuous during migration flights, but larger parties sometimes very noisy (maybe near roosts or foraging spots)
>> COMPARISON SPECIES >>>>>
Spotted Nutcracker (v)
Eurasian Magpie (v)
Western Jackdaw (v)
Eurasian Hoopoe (v)
Mistle Thrush (v)
songbird #passerine
ornithology #birdmigration #birdID #birdguide #birding #birdwatching #birdsound #westernpalearctic #europe #vismig #flightcalls #middleeast #northernafrica #workinprogress
>> GENERAL >>>>>
– buzzard-sized raptor
– diurnal migrant, preferencial over land
– usually migrates singly, often flocks at migration bottlenecks
>> VISUAL ID >>>>>
Black Kite Milvus m. migrans, AD
BIF1347, 14/05/2023, Ammersee, Germany, Mathias Putze
Black Kite Milvus m. migrans, AD
BIF1348, 14/05/2023, Ammersee, Germany, Mathias Putze
Black Kite Milvus m. migrans, AD
BIF1345, 14/05/2023, Ammersee, Germany, Mathias Putze
Black Kite Milvus m. migrans, AD
BIF1301, 03/05/2011, Leipzig, Germany, Mathias Putze
Black Kite Milvus m. migrans, AD
BIF1302, 03/05/2011, Leipzig, Germany, Mathias Putze
Black Kite Milvus m. migrans, AD
BIF1303, 07/05/2011, Leipzig, Germany, Mathias Putze
Black Kite Milvus m. migrans, 2CY
BIF1304, 24/07/2013, Leipzig, Germany, Mathias Putze
Black Kite Milvus m. migrans, AD
BIF1306, 06/05/2011, Leipzig, Germany, Mathias Putze
Black Kite Milvus m. migrans, 1CY
BIF1309, 24/09/2011, Besh Barmag, Azerbaijan, Michael Heiß
Black Kite Milvus m. migrans, 1CY
BIF1310, 24/09/2011, Besh Barmag, Azerbaijan, Michael Heiß
Black Kite Milvus m. migrans, 2CY
BIF1309, 07/05/2012, Besh Barmag, Azerbaijan, Michael Heiß
Black Kite Milvus m. migrans, 2CY
BIF1320, 03/08/2011, Besh Barmag, Azerbaijan, Michael Heiß
Black Kite Milvus m. migrans, 1CY
BIF1405, 18/10/2011, Besh Barmag, Azerbaijan, Michael Heiß
Black Kite Milvus m. migrans, AD
BIF1307, 04/07/2016, Belzig, Germany, Mathias Putze
Black Kite Milvus m. migrans, AD (above)
Red Kite Milvus milvus, AD
BIF1308, 25/03/2012, Havelland, Germany, Mathias Putze
>> ACOUSTIC ID >>>>>
– usually nonvocal during migration
>> COMPARISON SPECIES >>>>>
Red Kite (v)
Black-eared Kite (v)
Yellow-billed Kite (v)
Booted Eagle (v)
raptor #birdofprey #birdsofprey #soaringbird
ornithology #birdmigration #birdID #birdguide #birding #birdwatching #birdsound #westernpalearctic #europe #vismig #flightcalls #middleeast #northernafrica #workinprogress
>> GENERAL >>>>>
– large duck, size of Mallard
– diurnal/nocturnal migrant
– migrates pairwise or in small to medium flocks in formation
>> VISUAL ID >>>>>
Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina, M AD BREED
BIF7039, 09/04/2023, Rheindelta, Austria, Mathias Putze
– large diving dabling duck; large and round headed
– AD BREED unmistakable with rufous head, black body and white flanks
– red iris and long deep red bill
Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina, M AD BREED
BIF0659, 14/06/2010, Leipzig, Germany, Mathias Putze
– AD BREED unmistakable with rufous head, black body and white flanks
– red iris and long deep red bill
– primary coverts are the darkest part of the upperwing
Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina, M BREED->NBREED
BIF0661, 22/06/2016, Tsagaan Nuur, Mongolia, Mathias Putze
– broader wings than Aythya spp.
– white underwing with very narrow dusky trailing edge
– NBREED M resembles female but retains the red iris and the red bill
Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina, M BREED->NBREED
BIF0660, 22/06/2016, Tsagaan Nuur, Mongolia, Mathias Putze
– distinct white leading edge to the upperwing
– only two outermost primaries grey
Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina, M F AD BREED
BIF7042, 09/04/2023, Rheindelta, Austria, Mathias Putze
– in front view the dark breast of the male is contrasting to the white leading edge and white underwings
– females show a brown cap and pale cheeks, the bill is mainly dark with a orange spot to the tip
Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina, M F AD BREED
BIF7040, 10/04/2023, Rheindelta, Austria, Mathias Putze
– leading edge of the wing in females not as prominent as in males
Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina, M F AD BREED, M 2CY upper center bird
BIF7041, 10/04/2023, Rheindelta, Austria, Mathias Putze
– 2CY M shows still dark eyes and pale cheeks of a juvenile, but the bill is already turning into red
Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina, M F AD BREED
BIF0662, 11/03/2010, Havelland, Germany, Mathias Putze
– large diving dabling duck; large-headed and rather slender-necked silhouette resembles Mallard
– very broad striking white wingbar and fairly narrow dark trailing edge usually make ID straightforward
– F with unicoloured dark brown-grey back and upperwing, head with dark cap and paler sides
– wingbar in F off-white rather than shining white as in M
Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina, M F BREED -> NBREED
BIF1109, 30/06/2010, Kiskunsági, Hungary, Mathias Putze
– against the bright sky the silhouette in combination with translucent broad wingbar are diagnostic
Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina, M F BREED -> NBREED
BIF1108, 30/06/2010, Kiskunsági, Hungary, Mathias Putze
Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina, M F NBREED
Common Pochard Aythya ferina (right-hand)
BIF2147, 07/09/2017, Dornod, Mongolia, Mathias Putze
– at greater distance the very broad white wingband is a giveaway
>> ACOUSTIC ID >>>>>
– usually nonvocal during migration
>> COMPARISON SPECIES >>>>>
Common Pochard
waterbird #waterfowl #wildfowl
ornithology #birdmigration #birdID #birdguide #birding #birdwatching #birdsound #westernpalearctic #europe #vismig #flightcalls #vismig #flightcalls #middleeast #northernafrica #workinprogress
>> GENERAL >>>>>
– large waterbird, size of a small goose
– diurnal migrant
– migrates in small to medium flocks in formation
>> VISUAL ID >>>>>
Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis, AD BREED
BIF0581, 24/02/2014, Vlieland, Netherlands, Mathias Putze
Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis, AD BREED
BIF0831, 24/02/2014, Vlieland, Netherlands, Mathias Putze
Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis, ADBIF0970, 12/01/2010, Leipzig, Germany, Mathias Putze
Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis, AD BREED, 2CY
BIF0832, 11/02/2015, Ras Al Khabbah, Oman, Mathias Putze
Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo ssp., AD NBREED
BIF0833, 14/10/2013, Wermsdorf, Germany, Mathias Putze
Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis, 2CY
BIF7037, 07/04/2023, Rheindelta, Austria, Mathias Putze
Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis, 2CY
BIF7038, 07/04/2023, Rheindelta, Austria, Mathias Putze
Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo ssp., 1CY
BIF0834, 14/10/2013, Wermsdorf, Germany, Mathias Putze
Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo ssp., AD NBREED, 1CY
BIF0835, 14/10/2013, Wermsdorf, Germany, Mathias Putze
Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo ssp., 2CY
BIF0836, 20/03/2013, Hof, Germany, Mathias Putze
Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo ssp.
BIF0837, 08/10/2013, Wermsdorf, Germany, Mathias Putze
Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo ssp., AD, 1CY
BIF0838, 28/10/2012, Havelland, Germany, Mathias Putze
Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo ssp., AD, 1CY
BIF0839, 28/10/2012, Havelland, Germany, Mathias Putze
Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo ssp., AD NBREED
BIF0840, 25/10/2013, North Sea, offshore, Germany, Mathias Putze
Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis, AD BREED, 2CY
BIF0841, 12/02/2015, Masirah, Oman, Mathias Putze
>> ACOUSTIC ID >>>>>
– usually nonvocal during migration
>> COMPARISON SPECIES >>>>>
Red-throated Loon
Black-throated Loon
Great Northern Loon
Yellow-billed Loon
European Shag
Pygmy Cormorant
waterbird
ornithology #birdmigration #birdID #birdguide #birding #birdwatching #birdsound #westernpalearctic #europe #vismig #flightcalls #vismig #flightcalls #middleeast #northernafrica #workinprogress
>> GENERAL >>>>>
– small wader, roughly size of a starling
– nocturnal migrant, to lesser extend diurnal
– migrates singly or in dense flocks, at roosts often in huge flocks
>> VISUAL ID >>>>>
Dunlin Calidris alpina ssp., AD BREED
BIF0746, 01/07/2015, Rügen, Germany, Mathias Putze
Dunlin Calidris alpina ssp., AD BREED
BIF0747, 01/07/2015, Rügen, Germany, Mathias Putze
Dunlin Calidris alpina ssp., 1CY
BIF2783, 18/10/2017, Helgoland, Roland Neumann
Dunlin Calidris alpina ssp., 1CY
BIF1213, 21/09/2016, Besh Barmag, Azerbaijan, Michael Heiß
Dunlin Calidris alpina ssp., 1CY
BIF1215, 21/09/2016, Besh Barmag, Azerbaijan, Michael Heiß
Dunlin Calidris alpina ssp., 1CY
BIF0204, 08/10/2013, Schadebacher Teiche, Germany, Mathias Putze
Dunlin Calidris alpina ssp., 1CY
Ruff Calidris pugnax, 1CY M
BIF0205, 08/10/2013, Schadebacher Teiche, Germany, Mathias Putze
Dunlin Calidris alpina ssp., AD BREED -> NBREED, 1CY
BIF1212, 21/09/2016, Besh Barmag, Azerbaijan, Michael Heiß
Dunlin Calidris alpina ssp., 1CY
Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea, 1CY
BIF1251, 21/09/2016, Besh Barmag, Azerbaijan, Michael Heiß
Dunlin Calidris alpina ssp., 1CY
BIF1214, 21/09/2016, Besh Barmag, Azerbaijan, Michael Heiß
Dunlin Calidris alpina ssp., BREED -> NBREED
BIF7035, 15/09/2020, Falsterbo, Sweden, Mathias Putze
Dunlin Calidris alpina ssp., BREED -> NBREED
BIF7034, 15/09/2020, Falsterbo, Sweden, Mathias Putze
Dunlin Calidris alpina ssp., 1CY and AD NBREED
Sanderling Calidris a. alba, AD BREED -> NBREED, 3rd from right
BIF2728, 22/08/2018, Helgoland, Germany, Roland Neumann
– median and lesser coverts of 1CY show pale fringes compared to uniformly grey-brown coverts of AD (bird in the centre)
Dunlin Calidris alpina ssp., 1CY
Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula ssp., AD, 1CY
Sanderling Calidris alba, 1CY
Ruff Calidris pugnax, 1CY M
Little Stint Calidris minuta, 1CY
Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica, 1CY
BIF1977, 21/09/2016, Besh Barmag, Azerbaijan, Michael Heiß
Dunlin Calidris alpina* ssp., AD BREEDCurlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea, AD BREED*BIF0749, 01/07/2015, Rügen, Germany, Mathias Putze
Dunlin Calidris alpina ssp., AD BREED
Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola, AD BREED
BIF3572, 06/08/2021, Salzhaff, Germany, Roland Neumann
Dunlin Calidris alpina ssp., NBREED
Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea, NBREED
BIF0750, 12/02/2015, Bar Al Hikman, Oman, Mathias Putze
Dunlin Calidris alpina ssp., BREED -> NBREED
BIF7033, 30/01/2023, Amrum, Germany, Mathias Putze
Dunlin Calidris alpina ssp. 1CY
Sanderling Calidris alba 1CY
Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres NBREED
BIF2054 18/10/2017, Heligoland, Germany, Roland Neumann
Dunlin Calidris alpina ssp., AD BREED
BIF0748, 01/07/2015, Rügen, Germany, Mathias Putze
Dunlin Calidris alpina ssp., 1CY
BIF0206, 09/10/2013, Schadebacher Teiche, Germany, Mathias Putze
Dunlin Calidris alpina ssp., 1CY
BIF0207, 09/10/2013, Schadebacher Teiche, Germany, Mathias Putze
Dunlin Calidris alpina ssp., BREED -> NBREED
BIF7032, 26/01/2023, Amrum, Germany, Mathias Putze
>> ACOUSTIC ID >>>>>
/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/BIF208-2_PFR10259_1-11_140926_dunl-spec-1-TOC_d_prerow-northbeach_MS.mp3
Dunlin Calidris alpina ssp., calls in flight
BIF0208, 26/09/2014, Prerow, Germany, Patrick Franke
/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/BIF2998-1_PFR15532_1-10_190602_BIO_dunl-schinzii-1-AD-TOC_is_bara-valley_REF-S_C.mp3
Dunlin Calidris alpina schinzii, calls in flight
BIF2998, 02/06/2019, Snæfellsness, Iceland, Patrick Franke
>> COMPARISON SPECIES >>>>>
Broad-billed Sandpiper (v) (a)
Curlew Sandpiper (v) (a)
Sanderling (v)
Purple Sandpiper (v) (a)
Little Stint (v)
Great Grey Shrike (a)
shorebird #wader
ornithology #birdmigration #birdID #birdguide #birding #birdwatching #birdsound #westernpalearctic #europe #vismig #flightcalls #middleeast #northernafrica #workinprogress
>> GENERAL >>>>>
– medium-sized goose, considerably smaller than Greylag Goose
– diurnal migrant, but regularly nocturnal as well
– migrates in medium to large flocks in formation
– very vocal
>> VISUAL ID >>>>>
Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis, AD
BIF7028, 26/01/2023, Amrum, Germany, Mathias Putze
Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis, AD
BIF7029, 26/01/2023, Amrum, Germany, Mathias Putze
Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis, 2CY (left), AD (centre)
BIF0025, 25/02/2011, Havelland, Germany, Mathias Putze
Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis
BIF0604, 14/02/2009, Dollartniederung, Germany, Mathias Putze
Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis, AD
BIF7031, 31/01/2023, Amrum, Germany, Mathias Putze
Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis
Greater White-fronted Goose Anser a. albifrons
BIF0605, 24/02/2011, Havelland, Germany, Mathias Putze
Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis, AD
BIF7030, 30/01/2023, Amrum, Germany, Mathias Putze
Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis
Greylag Goose Anser a. anser
BIF0606, 11/11/2013, North Sea, offshore, Germany, Mathias Putze
Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis
BIF0607, 14/03/2014, Havelland, Germany, Mathias Putze
Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis
BIF0608, 11/11/2013, North Sea, Germany, Mathias Putze
Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis
BIF0609, 14/02/2009, Dollartniederung, Germany, Mathias Putze
Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis
BIF0610, 11/11/2013, North Sea, Germany, Mathias Putze
Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis
BIF0611, 16/10/2011, North Sea, Germany, Mathias Putze
Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsisNorthern Pintail Anas acutaPink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus
BIF1066, 11/11/2016, North Sea, Germany, Roland Neumann
>> ACOUSTIC ID >>>>>
– a variety of different calls in flight and during migration
– all calls are highly variable, different transitional forms exist
– differences between sexes
– two common call groups during migration: honks and squeals
– honks and squeals with regular disharmonic partials
– the modulation of honks is very variable
– honks and squeals uttered singly or series
– short calls (chuckle) when irritated or disturbed (observers)
– chuckles uttered singly or in series
/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/BIF3670-1_PFR19099_1-10_220202_BIO_barngoo-1-FCHONK-WS_uk_caerlaverock_REF-S_MP6-II_B.mp3
– overview –
– detail –
Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis, call in flight (HONK)
BIF3670, 02/02/2022, Caerlaverock, Scotland, Patrick Franke
/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/BIF3050-1_PFR19018_1-11_220202_BIO_barngoo-2-FCHONK_uk_caerlaverock_REF-S_MP6-II_B.mp3
– overview –
– detail –
Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis, call in flight (HONK)
BIF3050, 02/02/2022, Caerlaverock, Scotland, Patrick Franke
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– overview –
– detail –
Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis, call in flight (HONK), wing sound
BIF3049, 02/02/2022, Caerlaverock, Scotland, Patrick Franke
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– overview –
– detail –
Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis, call in flight (HONK, SQUEAL)
BIF3033, 30/01/2022, Caerlaverock, Scotland, Patrick Franke
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– overview –
– detail –
Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis, call in flight (HONK)
BIF0087, 30/01/2022, Caerlaverock, Scotland, Patrick Franke
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– overview –
– detail –
Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis, call in flight (HONK)
BIF0026, 26/12/2014, Gollwitz, Germany, Patrick Franke
/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/BIF1529-1_PFR12483_1-11_170218_barngoo-400-FC-1000m_d_ni_cux_kbake_REF-S.mp3
– overview –
– detail –
Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis, call in flight call (HONK)
BIF1529, 18/02/2017, Cuxhaven, Germany, Patrick Franke
/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/BIF2942-1_PFR15439_1-10_190421_BIO_barngoo-FL-FC_d_mv_lychensee_AFORM_MP6_A.mp3
– overview –
– detail –
Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis, call in flight (HONK)
BIF2941, 21/04/2019, Darß, Germany, Patrick Franke
>> COMPARISON SPECIES >>>>>
Canada Goose (v)
Brent Goose (v) (a)
Red-breasted Goose
goose #geese #waterbird #waterfowl
ornithology #birdmigration #birdID #birdguide #birding #birdwatching #birdsound #westernpalearctic #europe #vismig #flightcalls #middleeast #northernafrica #workinprogress
>> GENERAL >>>>>
– small passerine, sparrow-sized
– diurnal (nocturnal?) migrant
– usually migrates singly, occasionally in very small flocks
>> VISUAL ID >>>>>
Water Pipit Anthus s. spinoletta, BREED
BIF7015, 03/04/2020, Lake Starnberg, Germany, Mathias Putze
Water Pipit Anthus s. spinoletta, BREED
BIF7014, 03/04/2020, Lake Starnberg, Germany, Mathias Putze
Water Pipit Anthus s. spinoletta, BREED
BIF7017, 03/04/2020, Lake Starnberg, Germany, Mathias Putze
Water Pipit Anthus s. spinoletta, BREED
BIF7018, 03/04/2020, Lake Starnberg, Germany, Mathias Putze
Water Pipit Anthus s. spinoletta, BREED
BIF7019, 03/04/2020, Lake Starnberg, Germany, Mathias Putze
Water Pipit Anthus s. spinoletta, BREED
BIF7016, 03/04/2020, Lake Starnberg, Germany, Mathias Putze
Water Pipit Anthus s. spinoletta NBREED
BIF0864, 15/12/2015, Havelland, Germany, Mathias Putze
Water Pipit Anthus s. spinoletta NBREED
BIF0865, 15/12/2015, Havelland, Germany, Mathias Putze
Water Pipit Anthus s. spinoletta NBREED
BIF0866, 15/12/2015, Havelland, Germany, Mathias Putze
Water Pipit Anthus s. spinoletta NBREED
BIF0867, 15/12/2015, Havelland, Germany, Mathias Putze
>> ACOUSTIC ID >>>>>
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Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta coutelli, calls in flight
BIF0810, 22/05/2015, Meghri, Armenia, Michèle Peron
/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/BIF824-1_1-11_MPE0034_150525_watpip-coutelli-1-FC_arm_tsakhkuntyats_REF_S.mp3
Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta coutelli, calls in flight
BIF824, 25/05/2015, Tsakhkuntyats, Armenia, Michèle Peron
/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/BIF825-1_1-01_MPE0032_150522_watpip-coutelli-1-FC_arm_meghri_REF-S.mp3
Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta coutelli, calls in flight
BIF0825, 22/05/2015, Meghri, Armenia, Michèle Peron
/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/BIF811-1_MPE0011_280315_watpip-spinoletta-1-FC_d_guenzburg_REF-S.mp3
Water Pipit Anthus s. spinoletta, 3, calls during migration
BIF0811, 28/03/2015, Günzburg, Germany, Michèle Peron
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Water Pipit Anthus s. spinoletta, calls during migration
BIF0812, 25/10/2015, Kochel, Germany, Michèle Peron
/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/BIF809-1_MPE0007_140719_watpip-spinoletta-1-FC_d_grainau_REF-S.mp3
Water Pipit Anthus s. spinoletta, calls in flight
BIF0809, 19/07/2014, Grainau, Germany, Michèle Peron
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Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta blakistoni, calls in flight
BIF0814, 31/05/2013, Bayankhongorijn Khukh Nuur; Mongolia, Patrick Franke
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Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta blakistoni, calls in flight
BIF0815, 31/05/2013, Bayankhongorijn Khukh Nuur; Mongolia, Patrick Franke
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Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta blakistoni, calls in flight
BIF0816, 31/05/2013, Bayankhongorijn Khukh Nuur; Mongolia, Patrick Franke
/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/BIF817-1_PFR09238-1_2-11_130531_watpip-blakistoni-2-FC_mng_bayankhongorijn-khukh-nuur_REF-S.mp3
Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta blakistoni, two birds, calls in flight
BIF0817, 31/05/2013, Bayankhongorijn Khukh Nuur; Mongolia, Patrick Franke
/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/BIF818-1_PFR09295_2-11_130603_watpip-blakistoni-1-C_mng_bayankhongorijn-khukh-nuur_REF-S.mp3
Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta blakistoni, excitement calls in flight
BIF0818, 03/06/2013, Bayankhongorijn Khukh Nuur; Mongolia, Patrick Franke
>> COMPARISON SPECIES >>>>>
Eurasian Rock Pipit
Meadow Pipit
Buff-bellied Pipit
songbird #passerine
ornithology #birdmigration #birdID #birdguide #birding #birdwatching #birdsound #westernpalearctic #europe #vismig #flightcalls #middleeast #northernafrica #workinprogress
>> GENERAL >>>>>
– medium-sized duck, slightly smaller than Mallard
– nocturnal/diurnal migrant
– migrates in small to large flocks, in loose formation
>> VISUAL ID >>>>>
Greater Scaup Aythya m. marila, M BREED -> NBREED, F
BIF3693, 29/12/2022, Darß, Germany, Mathias Putze
– both sexes with contrasting white wing bar to dark greater coverts
– AD F with typical extended white face, greyish back difficult to see in flight from side
– AD M with typical greyish light back and grey shoulders
– M in transient plumage with more diffuse border between dark green head, neck and breast, and white belly
Greater Scaup Aythya m. marila, AD M NBREED -> BREED
BIF3697, 29/12/2022, Darß, Germany, Mathias Putze
– bright yellow eyes in all plumages
– blue grey bill shows only small black tip compared to the bill of Tufted Duck
– glossy green head only seen in good light and angle, mostly it appears just black
Greater Scaup Aythya m. marila, F BREED
BIF3698, 29/12/2022, Darß, Germany, Mathias Putze
– F show always distinct white face, which is rarely found in F of Tufted Duck
– contrast between brown upperwing coverts to greyish mottled back
Greater Scaup Aythya m. marila, F BREED
BIF3699, 29/12/2022, Darß, Germany, Mathias Putze
– pure white underwings, brown and grey mottled flanks and white belly
Greater Scaup Aythya m. marila, M F
BIF3695, 29/12/2022, Darß, Germany, Mathias Putze
– upper M in full BREED with uniform grey shoulders contrasting to black greater coverts and the white secondary band
– 1W M (lower male in the background) shows some white in front of bill, but the median and lesser coverts are contrasting grey to darker greater coverts
– F with broad white at bill-base
Greater Scaup Aythya m. marila, M F
BIF2065, 02/01/2018, Rerik, Germany, Roland Neumann
– typical dark and white Aythya-silhoutte
– AD M with sharp border between black breast and white belly
– 2CY (first winter) M (centre left) with more diffuse border between black head, neck and breast, and white belly
Greater Scaup Aythya m. marila, M F
BIF2066, 02/01/2018, Rerik, Germany, Roland Neumann
– F dark brown with distinct white ring at the base of the bill
– plumage not as cleanly patterned as M
Greater Scaup Aythya m. marila, M F
BIF2067, 02/01/2018, Rerik, Germany, Roland Neumann
– against the sky colour not easy to distinguish but F show partly dark flanks
Greater Scaup Aythya m. marila, M F
BIF3696, 29/12/2022, Darß, Germany, Mathias Putze
– both sexes show the white wing bar, same es in Tufted Duck
– on distance the females show their white faces and the males the light grey backs
Greater Scaup Aythya m. marila, M F
BIF2072, 16/12/2016, North Sea, offshore, Roland Neumann
– migrants at dusk: main features are still recognisable (grey back and upperwing coverts in M, large white ring around base of bill in F)
Greater Scaup Aythya m. marila, M F
Common Scoter Melanitta nigra, M F
BIF2073, 16/12/2016, North Sea, offshore, Roland Neumann
– migrants at dusk: flocks usually rather dense
Greater Scaup Aythya m. marila, M F
Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula, M F
BIF3700, 29/12/2022, Darß, Germany, Mathias Putze
– bothe species with white bellies, but Greater Scaup with white unterwings instead of dark in Common Goldeneye
– white faces of F Greater Scaup on distance similar to the white rounded loral spot of M Common Goldeneye, but compare the colour of neck and underwing in both species
Greater Scaup Aythya m. marila, M F
Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula, M (centre)
BIF2068, 02/01/2018, Rerik, Germany, Roland Neumann
– M of Tufted Duck and Greater Scaup are readily identified when upperside is visible
– white wingbar in both species fades to grey towards wingtip
Greater Scaup Aythya m. marila, M F
Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula, M (centre)
BIF2069, 02/01/2018, Rerik, Germany, Roland Neumann
– from below, almost impossible to separate these two species using plumage alone
– note tuft and slightly smaller size and more compact silhouette of Tufted Duck
Greater Scaup Aythya m. marila, M F
BIF2070, 02/01/2018, Rerik, Germany, Roland Neumann
– at distance and against the sky very difficult to determine sex
Greater Scaup Aythya m. marila, M F
BIF2071, 02/01/2018, Rerik, Germany, Roland Neumann
– on flights between feeding and resting grounds, flocks often appear jumbled-up
Greater Scaup Aythya m. marila, M F
BIF2142, 14/02/2018, Kühlungsborn, Germany, Roland Neumann
– flocks on migration are undulating and not particularly tidy
Greater Scaup Aythya m. marila, M F
BIF2143, 14/02/2018, Kühlungsborn, Germany, Roland Neumann
– in bright sunlight above water the white bodyparts strongly blow out resulting in a largely white appearance
– F seem to be white-headed
>> ACOUSTIC ID >>>>>
– usually nonvocal during migration
>> COMPARISON SPECIES >>>>>
Ferruginous Duck (v)
Tufted Duck (v)
Lesser Scaup (v)
Ring-necked Duck (v)
waterbird #waterfowl #wildfowl
ornithology #birdmigration #birdID #birdguide #birding #birdwatching #birdsound #westernpalearctic #europe #vismig #flightcalls #middleeast #northernafrica #workinprogress
GENERAL >>>>> – small East Palaearctic wader – nocturnal migrant, to lesser extend diurnal – migrates singly or in small flocks – critically endangered >> VISUAL ID >>>>> Spoon-billed Sandpiper Calidris pygmaea, 2+CY BIF3690, 15/06/16, Chukotka, Russia, Thomas Noah Spoon-billed Sandpiper Calidris pygmaea, 2+CY BIF3691, 15/06/16, Chukotka, Russia, Thomas Noah Spoon-billed Sandpiper Calidris pygmaea, … Continue reading Spoon-billed Sandpiper Calidris pygmaea →
GENERAL >>>>> – tiny passerine, smallest bird in the WP – nocturnal migrant, short distance diurnal movements (‘Schleichzug’) – migrates singly or in small, very loose flocks >> VISUAL ID >>>>> not yet photographed >> ACOUSTIC ID >>>>> – Firecrests utter a lot of different calls during bird migration – the multi-syllable ‘SeSeSeSe’ often … Continue reading Firecrest
Regulus ignicapilla →
GENERAL >>>>> – tiny passerine, smallest bird in the WP – nocturnal migrant, short distance diurnal movements (‘Schleichzug’) – migrates singly or in small, very loose flocks >> VISUAL ID >>>>> Goldcrest Regulus r. regulus BIF0229, 24/10/2012, North Sea, offshore, Germany, Mathias Putze – tiny, olive-green with fairly short, notched tail Goldcrest Regulus r. … Continue reading Goldcrest
Regulus regulus →
>> GENERAL >>>>>
– tiny passerine, smallest bird in the WP
– nocturnal migrant, short distance diurnal movements (‘Schleichzug’)
– migrates singly or in small, very loose flocks
>> VISUAL ID >>>>>
Goldcrest Regulus r. regulus
BIF0229, 24/10/2012, North Sea, offshore, Germany, Mathias Putze
– tiny, olive-green with fairly short, notched tail
Goldcrest Regulus r. regulus, presumably F
BIF0268, 05/10/2014, North Sea, offshore, Germany, Mathias Putze
– yellow crown with black lateral crown-stripes at times recognisable even in flight
Goldcrest Regulus r. regulus
BIF0269, 05/10/2014, North Sea, offshore, Germany, Mathias Putze
– whitish wing bar
Goldcrest Regulus r. regulus
BIF0270, 05/10/2014, North Sea, offshore, Germany, Mathias Putze
Goldcrest Regulus r. regulus
BIF0271, 05/10/2014, North Sea, offshore, Germany, Mathias Putze
– rather short and rounded wings
Goldcrest Regulus r. regulus, AD M
BIF3642, 04/04/2019, North Sea, offshore, Germany, Patrick Franke
– M by orange crown feathers lurking through the yellow top feathers
Goldcrest Regulus r. regulus, AD M
BIF3644, 04/04/2019, North Sea, offshore, Germany, Patrick Franke
Goldcrest Regulus r. regulus
BIF3643, 04/04/2019, North Sea, offshore, Germany, Patrick Franke
– at distance very stout and compact silhouette
>> ACOUSTIC ID >>>>>
– Goldcrests utter a lot of different calls during bird migration
– the multi-syllable ‘SeSeSeSe’ often is regarded as flight call
– but the normal flight call is the monosyllabic underslur ‘TSIP’.
– timbre not unlike Meadow Pipit, only softer and quieter
– the call is not very variable, but in large flocks variants are often heard (plastic calls by 1CY birds?)
– surprisingly different from the Firecrest by the shape and timbre
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– overview –
– detail –
Goldcrest Regulus r. regulus, flight & social calls during migration
BIF3641, 17/10/2020, Mertensdorf, Germany, Patrick Franke
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– overview –
– detail –
Goldcrest Regulus r. regulus, flight & social calls in flight
BIF3640, 26/01/2021, Kehrberg, Germany, Patrick Franke
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– detail –
Goldcrest Regulus r. regulus, flight call
BIF3639, 10/02/2018, Mannhausen, Germany, Patrick Franke
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– overview –
– detail –
Goldcrest Regulus r. regulus, calls during migration
BIF3638, 10/10/2017, Kühlungsborn, Germany, Patrick Franke
/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/BIF0230-1_PFR02908_1-11_081011_BIO_gcrest-regulus-1-SOC-FC_d_mv_groie_MS_B-C-1.mp3
– overview –
– detail –
Goldcrest Regulus r. regulus, flight & social calls during migration
BIF0230, 11/10/2008, Greifswalder Oie, Germany, Patrick Franke
>> COMPARISON SPECIES >>>>>
Firecrest (a) (v)
Eurasian Blue Tit (a)
Great Tit (a)
European Crested Tit (a)
Coal Tit (a)
Eurasian Treecreeper (a)
Short-toad Treecreeper (a)
Eurasian Wren (v)
songbird #passerine
ornithology #birdmigration #birdID #birdguide #birding #birdwatching #birdsound #westernpalearctic #europe #vismig #flightcalls #middleeast #northernafrica #workinprogress
GENERAL >>>>> – medium-sized wader, slightly larger than European Golden Plover – Central Asian origin, very rare vagrant to WP – diurnal/nocturnal migrant – migrates singly or in small, rather dense flocks >> VISUAL ID >>>>> White-tailed Lapwing Vanellus leucurus, AD BIF3603, 02/06/2018, Baliqcilar, Azerbaijan, Michael Heiß – brownish grey mantle, neck and crown, … Continue reading White-tailed Lapwing
Vanellus leucurus →
GENERAL >>>>> – medium-sizded wader, about the size of Northern Lapwing – breeder in SE Europe, vagrant to W Europe – nocturnal/diurnal migrant – migrates singly or in small, rather dense flocks >> VISUAL ID >>>>> Spur-winged Lapwing Vanellus spinosus, AD BIF3622, 10/02/2014, Entebbe, Uganda, Mathias Putze – black crown and forehead, extended white … Continue reading Spur-winged Lapwing
Vanellus spinosus →
GENERAL >>>>> – medium-sizded wader, slightly larger than European Golden Plover – eastern Asian origin, very rare vagrant to WP – nocturnal/diurnal migrant – migrates singly or in small, rather dense flocks >> VISUAL ID >>>>> Grey-headed Lapwing Vanellus cinereus, AD BIF3610, 06/06/2014, Sumber, Mongolia, Mathias Putze – pure white underwing coverts and secondaries, … Continue reading Grey-headed Lapwing
Vanellus cinereus →
GENERAL >>>>> – medium-sized wader, size of a small dove – nocturnal/diurnal migrant – migrates singly or (more regular) in small rather dense flocks – in western WP sometimes mixed with Northern Lapwing >> VISUAL ID >>>>> Sociable Lapwing Vanellus gregarius, 1CY BIF0328, 16/09/2009, Bösewig, Germany, Mathias Putze – black primaries and white secondaries … Continue reading Sociable Lapwing
Vanellus gregarius →
>> GENERAL >>>>>
– medium-sized wader, size of a small dove
– nocturnal/diurnal migrant
– migrates singly or (more regular) in small rather dense flocks
– in western WP sometimes mixed with Northern Lapwing
>> VISUAL ID >>>>>
Sociable Lapwing Vanellus gregarius, 1CY
BIF0328, 16/09/2009, Bösewig, Germany, Mathias Putze
– black primaries and white secondaries
– clean white underwings
– brownish grey breast and white belly in 1CY and NBREED
– long black legs, the feet protrude the tail
Sociable Lapwing Vanellus gregarius, 1CY
Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, NBREED**
BIF0328, 16/09/2009, Bösewig, Germany, Mathias Putze
– wing pattern resembles Sabine’s Gull
– aged as 1CY by pale fringes on mantle
Sociable Lapwing Vanellus gregarius, 1CY
Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, NBREED**
BIF0330, 07/10/2012, Wermsdorfer Teiche, Germany, Mathias Putze
– compared to Northern Lapwing slightly longer bill and flatter forehead
Sociable Lapwing Vanellus gregarius*, 1CYNorthern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, NBREED*
BIF0331, 07/10/2012, Wermsdorfer Teiche, Germany, Mathias Putze
– from below difficult to seperate from NBREED
– white tail with broad black terminal band similar to Grey-headed Lapwing
– no dark breast band (-> Grey-headed Lapwing)
Sociable Lapwing Vanellus gregarius, 1CY
Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, NBREED**
BIF0332, 16/09/2009, Bösewig, Germany, Mathias Putze
– the white secondaries enable the ID even from this angle
**Sociable Lapwing Vanellus gregarius, 1CY
Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, NBREED**
BIF0333, 07/10/2012, Wermsdorfer Teiche, Germany, Mathias Putze
– more slender and pointy wings than Northern Lapwing
Sociable Lapwing Vanellus gregarius, AD, BREED
BIF1006, 30/03/2012, Besh Barmag, Azerbaijan, Michael Heiß
– in BREED with dark belly
– prominent white supercilium and white front contrasting to black eye stripe
Sociable Lapwing Vanellus gregarius, AD, BREED
BIF1007, 30/03/2012, Besh Barmag, Azerbaijan, Michael Heiß
– brownish grey mantle reaches the black hand, different in White-tailed Lapwing and Grey-headed Lapwing
Sociable Lapwing Vanellus gregarius, AD, NBREED
Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, AD, NBREED**
BIF1008, 09/10/2011, Besh Barmag, Azerbaijan, Michael Heiß
– lacks the black breast band of Grey-headed Lapwing
Sociable Lapwing Vanellus gregarius, AD, NBREED
Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, NBREED**
BIF1009, 09/10/2011, Besh Barmag, Azerbaijan, Michael Heiß
– even at distance easy to point out in of a flock of Northern Lapwings
Sociable Lapwing Vanellus gregarius
BIF1010, 26/09/2011, Besh Barmag, Azerbaijan, Michael Heiß
Sociable Lapwing Vanellus gregarius, AD, BREED
BIF1011, 04/04/2011, Besh Barmag, Azerbaijan, Michael Heiß
Sociable Lapwing Vanellus gregarius, NBREED
Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, NBREED**
BIF334, 07/10/2012, Wermsdorfer Teiche, Germany, Mathias Putze
– shows more pointed wings in comparison to Northern Lapwing
>> ACOUSTIC ID >>>>>
– flight call a wooden sounding, rather low frequent broadband trill
– length slightly variable
– main energy between 2,5 and 4kHz
/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/BIF1012-1_1-11_BIF0000_MHExxx_120330_soclapw-1-FC_aze_besh-barmag_1.mp3
– overview –
– detail –
Sociable Lapwing Vanellus gregarius, AD, calls during migration
BIF1012, 30/03/2012, Besh Barmag, Azerbaijan, Michael Heiß
>> COMPARISON SPECIES >>>>>
Eurasian Dotterel (v)
Spur-winged Lapwing (v)
Grey-headed Lapwing (v)
White-tailed Lapwing (v)
Northern Lapwing (v)
Sabine’s Gull (v)
shorebird #wader
ornithology #birdmigration #birdID #birdguide #birding #birdwatching #birdsound #westernpalearctic #europe #vismig #flightcalls #middleeast #northernafrica #workinprogress
>> GENERAL >>>>>
– medium-sized wader
– size of a small dove, appears bigger in flight due to very broad, rounded wings
– nocturnal/diurnal migrant
– migrates singly or (more regular) in small to large, rather dense flocks
>> VISUAL ID >>>>>
Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, M AD
BIF2209, 04/06/2015, Dankmarshausen, Germany, Martin Grimm
– unique wing shape with bulging primaries
– black wings, dark olive mantle, black and white tail
– sexed as M by four pale-tipped outer primaries (only three pale-tipped in F)
Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, M
BIF0314, 29/04/2013, Pritzwalk, Germany, Mathias Putze
– pure white inner underwing covert contrasting to black remiges and primary coverts
– black throat and breast sharply contrasting to white belly and flanks
– rusty red vent
Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, F
BIF0312, 20/08/2009, North Sea, Mathias Putze
– contrasty head with steep forehead and short bill
– sexed as F by all black 7th primary (counting outwards)
– some outer primaries missing due to moult
Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus
BIF0315, 20/08/2009, North Sea, offshore, Germany, Mathias Putze
same as BIF0312
Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, NBREED
BIF0316, 08/10/2013, Wermsdorfer Teiche, Germany, Mathias Putze
Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus
Sociable Lapwing Vanellus gregarius
BIF0317, 07/10/2012, Wermsdorfer Teiche, Germany, Mathias Putze
Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus
Sociable Lapwing Vanellus gregarius
BIF0318, 07/10/2012, Wermsdorfer Teiche, Germany, Mathias Putze
Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus
Sociable Lapwing Vanellus gregarius
BIF0319, 07/10/2012, Wermsdorfer Teiche, Germany, Mathias Putze
Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus
BIF0320, 08/10/2012, Reckahner Teiche, Germany, Mathias Putze
– usually dense flocking
– black and white
Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus
BIF1222, 15/09/2016, Besh Barmag, Azerbaijan, Michael Heiß
Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus
Common Starling Sturnus v. vulgaris
BIF0797, 10/03/2013, Hof, Germany, Mathias Putze
Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus
Ruff Calidris pugnax, M, F
BIF1129, 30/06/2016, Belzig, Germany, Mathias Putze
Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus
Common Starling Sturnus v. vulgaris
BIF0798, 10/03/2013, Hof, Germany, Mathias Putze
Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus
Common Starling Sturnus v. vulgaris
BIF0799, 10/03/2013, Hof, Germany, Mathias Putze
Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus
BIF0986, 12/03/2016, North Sea, offhore, Mathias Putze
Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus
BIF0987, 12/03/2016, North Sea, offhore, Mathias Putze
– at greater distance readily identified by wing shape and lack of white upperwing markings of the other Lapwings
Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus
BIF0321, 19/10/2008, Havelland, Germany, Mathias Putze
>> ACOUSTIC ID >>>>>
– utters a variety of different calls in flight
– on long-distance flights (at night/daytime) a distinctive polysyllabic call is often heard
– narrow modulated, many inharmonic partials but monophonic; towards the end overlapped by a very dense broadband noise (second voice box?)
– when excited sometimes a double syllable call, not unlike Bar-tailed Godwit or Red Knot
/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/BIF3631-1_PFR16445_0-00_200404_BIO_nlapw-1-FC_d_bb_streng_REF-S_702_C.mp3
– overview –
– detail –
Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, call in flight
BIF3631, 04/04/2020, Streng, Germany, Patrick Franke
https://birds-in-flight.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/BIF338-1_PFR09625_1-00_130609_nlapw-1-C_mng_tsagaan-nuur_REF-S.mp3
– overview –
– detail –
Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, calls in flight
BIF0338, 09/06/2013, Tsagaan Nuur, Mongolia, Patrick Franke
https://birds-in-flight.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/BIF339-1_PFR07934_1-00_130830_nlapw-LAND_d_seelhaus-see_REF-S.mp3
– detail –
Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, call in flight
BIF0339, 30/08/2013, Seelhausener See, Germany, Patrick Franke
>> COMPARISON SPECIES >>>>>
Spur-winged Lapwing (v)
Grey-headed Lapwing (v)
Sociable Lapwing (v)
White-tailed Lapwing (v)
Bar-tailed Godwit (a)
Red Knot (a)
shorebird #wader
ornithology #birdmigration #birdID #birdguide #birding #birdwatching #birdsound #westernpalearctic #europe #vismig #flightcalls #middleeast #northernafrica #workinprogress
GENERAL >>>>> – medium-sized wader – size of a small dove, appears bigger in flight due to very broad, rounded wings – nocturnal/diurnal migrant – migrates singly or (more regular) in small to large, rather dense flocks >> VISUAL ID >>>>> Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, M AD BIF2209, 04/06/2015, Dankmarshausen, Germany, Martin Grimm – … Continue reading Northern Lapwing
Vanellus vanellus →
GENERAL >>>>> – very small anatid, about the size of a Eurasian Teal – diurnal migrant (probably nocturnal as well) – migrates singly or in flocks in formation >> VISUAL ID >>>>> Smew Mergellus albellus, M F BREED TRANS BIF3482, 21/01/2021, Blankensee, Germany, Patrick Franke – M strikingly black-and-white – M and F with … Continue reading Smew
Mergellus albellus →
>> GENERAL >>>>>
– rather large anatid, slightly larger than Mallard
– diurnal migrant, probably also nocturnal
– migrates pairwise or in small to medium flocks in formation
>> VISUAL ID >>>>>
Goosander Mergus m. merganser, F AD (two uppermost), 1CY
BIF1634, 14/10/2013, Wermsdorf, Germany, Mathias Putze
aging is easier in direct comparison
– JUV paler overall
– diffuser border between head and neck (similar to Red-breasted Merganser, BIF1971)
– pale lores and bill
Goosander Mergus m. merganser, F AD (centre), 1CY
BIF1636, 14/10/2013, Wermsdorf, Germany, Mathias Putze
– from this angle aging is more difficult but note sharp contrasting, whiter chin of AD
Goosander Mergus m. merganser, F probably 2CY
BIF1909, 16/05/2011, Choolbasan, Mongolia, Mathias Putze
– similar to F AD -> Red-breasted Merganser but heavier with bulkier head and neck
– sharp contrast between rusty-brown head and grey neck
– wing with pure white speculum
– dark hand contrasting to grey arm
Goosander Mergus m. merganser, M AD BREED
BIF1630, 14/01/2017, Rügen, Germany, Mathias Putze
– much bulkier head and neck than -> Red-breasted Merganser (BIF1966)
– dark red bill with distict hook
– pure white inner-wing with only narrow grey leading edge and dark hand
Goosander Mergus m. merganser, M AD BREED
BIF1631, 14/01/2017, Rügen, Germany, Mathias Putze
– black head with dark eye sharply contrasting with completely white underside -> Red-breasted Merganser (BIF1967)
– feet do not reach the tail tip
Goosander Mergus m. merganser, M AD BREED
BIF1632, 14/01/2017, Rügen, Germany, Mathias Putze
– black scapulars and grey back, same in M AD Red-breasted Merganser
Goosander Mergus m. merganser, M F AD BREED
BIF1633, 28/05/2014, Oendorchan, Mongolia, Mathias Putze
Goosander Mergus m. merganser, M F
BIF1635, 01/02/2010, Leipzig, Germany, Mathias Putze
– from below rounded tail and duck-like silhouette
– bill slender and pointed
– white secondaries
Goosander Mergus m. merganser, M F AD BREED
BIF1637, 14/01/2017, Rügen Germany, Mathias Putze
– in phases of gliding wings bent downwards (left M)
Goosander Mergus m. merganser, M AD BREED
BIF1639, 14/01/2017, Rügen, Germany, Mathias Putze
– underside of AD M can appear peachy-white
Goosander Mergus m. merganser, M F AD BREED
BIF3486, 21/01/2021, Blankensee, Germany, Patrick Franke
Goosander Mergus merganser, M 2CY
BIF1641, 14/01/2017, Rügen, Germany, Mathias Putze
– white on wing coverts indicate M
>> ACOUSTIC ID >>>>>
– usually nonvocal during migration
>> COMPARISON SPECIES >>>>>
Red-breasted Merganser (v)
Common Goldeneye (v)
Common Shelduck (v)
Common Eider (v)
waterbird #waterfowl #wildfowl
ornithology #birdmigration #birdID #birdguide #birding #birdwatching #birdsound #westernpalearctic #europe #vismig #flightcalls #vismig #flightcalls #middleeast #northernafrica #workinprogress
GENERAL >>>>> – rather large anatid, slightly larger than Mallard – diurnal migrant, probably also nocturnal – migrates pairwise or in small to medium flocks in formation >> VISUAL ID >>>>> Goosander Mergus m. merganser, F AD (two uppermost), 1CY BIF1634, 14/10/2013, Wermsdorf, Germany, Mathias Putze aging is easier in direct comparison – JUV … Continue reading Goosander
Mergus merganser →
>> GENERAL >>>>>
– medium-sized anatid, about size of Mallard but slimmer
– diurnal migrant, probably also nocturnal
– migrates pairwise or in small to medium flocks in formation
>> VISUAL ID >>>>>
Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator, AD M
BIF1966, 01/02/2017, Darss, Germany, Martin Grimm
– slim silhouette with long neck and thin bill
– white inner wing with two thin black lines, broad black leading edge and black hand -> Goosander (BIF 1630)
Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator, AD M
BIF1967, 01/02/2017, Darss, Germany, Martin Grimm
– red bill slightly upcurved without hook
– flanks greyish (upper flank black with white patches)
– feet almost reach tail tip -> Goosander (BIF 1631)
Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator, AD M
BIF2893, 30/03/2018, Rerik, Germany, Roland Neumann
– black head
– distinct white collar and dark streaked redish-brown upper breast
– white underwing (black in Common Goldeneye) with translucent secondaries
Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator, AD M F
BIF2894, 30/03/2018, Rerik, Germany, Roland Neumann
Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator, F AD (two left), M AD, M 2CY (right)
BIF1972, 15/03/2017, Kühlungsborn, Roland Neumann
– M 2CY head black-brown patterned, upper flanks darker than F
– upperwing pattern of 2CY M same as F with fine black line in white wing patch (usually missing in F -> Goosander)
– no contrast between hand and arm
Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator, F AD (two left), M AD, M 2CY (right)
BIF1971, 15/03/2017, Kühlungsborn, Roland Neumann
same as BIF1972
– brown head of F diffusely merging into grey neck (sharp contrast in F -> Goosander)
Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator, 5 M AD
BIF1973, 15/03/2017, Kühlungsborn, Roland Neumann
– at greater distance the white collar is the most striking feature
Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator, 5 M ECLIPSED
BIF1638, 23/09/2010, Baltic Sea, Germany, Mathias Putze
– like F but diagnostic M wing pattern (compare BIF1966)
>> ACOUSTIC ID >>>>>
calls during migration not yet sound recorded
>> COMPARISON SPECIES >>>>>
Goosander (v)
Common Goldeneye (v)
Common Shelduck (v)
Common Eider (v)