FreeLists / birdky / [birdky] Scott's Oriole

[David Roemer <dlroemer@xxxxxxxxx>]

I have just returned from photographing the oriole at
Frankfort and it is definitely a Scott's.  The
combination of features shown by this bird eliminating
other orioles are:

Yellow underparts eliminating some species.

Relatively long, thin and straight bill and relatively
short tail.

Dark streaking on the back.

Shape of lower wing-bar.  The white tips to the
greater secondary coverts forming the lower wing-bar
on Scott's are typically wider and with a straighter
inner edge than on other yellow orioles.  The lower
wing-bar of most orioles more closely follows the
contour of the feathers with a rounded inner edge to
the wing-bar on each feather.

With good views, some yellow lesser coverts are also
visible which eliminates most oriole species.

Scott's tail pattern with yellow bases to the
otherwise dark outer feathers.  This in itself
eliminates other species.  The only species showing a
somewhat similar tail pattern is Bullock's with the
bases being orange (Baltimore is reversed).  I
considered an immature male Bullock's x Baltimore
hybrid but I don't believe first-year males of those
species show adult tail patterns.  I also considered
orange oriole species that could perhaps be showing
yellow aberrant plumage but believe the combination of
features eliminates all other species.

Although I didn't notice them while viewing the bird,
a couple of photos show whitish tips to the outer
rects as illustrated by Sibley.  

I will send Gary some photos and comments for
publishing on the KOS site soon.

The Slezaks did say that they would appreciate a phone
call before coming, but if no one was at home to
answer the phone that birders are welcome to sit on
the deck behind the house.

David L. Roemer
Bowling Green, Ky.












 
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