'eastern' chiffchaffs
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| Date |
02 Feb 2008 |
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| Map Reference |
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| Contact Info |
Richard Fairbank
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| Sighting Description |
I've only seen normal looking Chiffchaffs at Coldwaltham on both my recent visits this year. Those interested in 'eastern' Chiffchaffs are directed to BBRC's latest press release (10 January 2008) http://www.bbrc.org.uk/100108.htm. In summary, in 2008 BBRC is requesting that counties forward descriptions accepted or nearly so by them against the following criteria: Absence of olive in the crown and mantle, absence of yellow away from the underwing, presence of a grey-brown or pale brown hue in the upperparts, presence of warm buff in the supercilium and ear-coverts, presence of buff at the breast-sides/flanks, very black-looking bill and legs, a thin, piping near-monosyllabic Bullfinch-like or Dunnock-like call, a song markedly different from western Chiffchaff’s They stress the importance of obtaining representative photos and sound recordings although "Field descriptions will be an important source of information but (particularly if unaccompanied by images or recordings) must be very detailed and focus specifically on a full and precise evaluation of plumage hues. Notes should demonstrate that views were good enough and over a long enough period to assess the bird’s true appearance and that full account has been taken of the effect of light conditions on perceived hues. Any transcriptions of calls or songs should be as detailed as possible." Dean and Svensson (British Birds 98: 396-410) remains the key text. I am unaware of any Sussex records matching the above criteria in full. |
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