ID Challenge #5 - closes 18 December 2009

[Swissbirder2000]

I try again (short version): Juv Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)

[birdiebev]

Juvenille Starling

[Graham Saunders]

Starling

[Richard Schofield]

Starling (juvenile)

[Ross Silcock]

This is a first fall (recently molted from juv) male Blackbird. The fresh feather edges suggest a young bird. I think the choices are first fall male Blackbird and juv Starling. The bill looks dark, more suggestive of first fall Blackbird, the legs not totally dark with some lightish areas visible, better for Blackbird. The overall jizz and color, including hint of brownish in wings, look more like a Blackbird, and, while the short tail suggests Starling, the tail may not be fully grown.

[GarySetterfield]

juv starling