Hi, Phil -
This bird looks pretty good. Another difference, if I remember correctly, is
that elgasi has 2 more tail-feathers than other White-fronts (but maybe not
always???). So if you have a photo with a spread tail, that might be useful.
Wayne
On 1/22/2019 5:30:26 PM, Phil Pickering <philliplc@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Today I was able to get a close look at a flock of
52 Greater White-fronts that have been intermittently
using the pasture at S Gorton Road, Drift Creek
Lincoln County, first reported by Camden Bruner
about a week ago.
There was some moderate size variation within the
flock and also a bit of variation in darkness of the head,
but one individual did stand out as comparatively tall,
large-billed, and noticeably darker than any of the
others. I also noticed it had a distinct yellow orbital
ring unlike any of the others I was able to check this
on. I know very little about White-front subspecies
or how often these are detected in Oregon but based
on some quick research it seems like a possible good
fit for A. a. elgasi.
A few of the others in the flock although not as dark
were at least close in overall size, so it's possible
there were other candidates present.
Phil
