Europhoto 5 - The solution

The November Europhoto (image A) was a White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) photographed in the hand, in New Hampshire, USA on 9th October 2003. Although this species is usually quite easy to identify, this was a very dull individual and in fact, in its first-winter as indicated by the dull tones to the supercilium and throat, and the soft blurry streaks on the breast shown in image B. Adults are typically cleaner breasted, and altogether more striking as shown in image C.

(a) Click the picture to enlarge (+)

All of these images of White-throated Sparrow were taken in Keene, New Hampshire, USA in October 2003.

The head detail portrayed in image A shows a notable yellow spot in the fore-supercilium while the supercilium behind the eye is broad and striking. The crown feathers appear spiked and the throat is just visible as being white. These features prompted some entrants to opt for Yellow-browed Bunting (Emberiza chrysophrys), a very rare vagrant from Central Siberia.

However, that species would always show a pink lower mandible (our bird’s bill is grey) and a prominent white spot at the rear of the ear coverts. White-throated Sparrow is the most common Nearctic sparrow to reach European shores and has been recorded in at least nine European countries, with about 25 records from the UK alone.

(b) Click the picture to enlarge (+)

Most have occurred in late spring. Yellow-browed Bunting, by comparison, is much rarer with just six West Palearctic records, five of those from the September - October period.

We also received entries for Dead Sea Sparrow, Common Redpoll, Purple Finch, Savannah Sparrow, Reed Bunting, Rustic Bunting and Little Bunting.

Since this is the beginning of a new phase of the Europhoto quiz, we shall announce all the correct entrants by name. The list appears in the order that the entries were received as follows: 1) Steve Mann, United Kingdom. 2) Lenneart Steen, The Netherlands. 3) Markus Ahola, Finland.

(c) Click the picture to enlarge (+)

4) Jyrki Normaja, Finland.

5) Dan Mangsbo, Sweden.

6) Kalle Rainio, Finland.

7) Tomer Landsberger, Israel.

8) William Velmala, Finland.

9) Michael Schmitz, Germany.

10) Hannu Hutinen, Finland.

11) Rami Lindroos, Finland.

Well done to all!

A new europhoto will appear on 1st December and entries will close on 31st December 2003, at midnight CET. Good luck to the above eleven, and all that attempt the challenge in December!

Good birding,

James P. Smith & The Birdingisrael Team

Contact info

Daphna Abell
Program Coordinator
lotan-programs@lotan.ardom.co.il
Tel: +972 8 6356935;
Toll Free: 1800 2000 75 (when in Israel)