Posted by Chris Benesh (67.116.239.31) on December 12, 2003 at 09:12:31:
Hi Joe and all,
A late fall gull discussion brought me to your site again, and I decided to take a look at the "mystery flycatcher" July Photo. To me this looks like a rather typical Eastern Kingbird, albeit with perhaps a bit yellower than normal underparts. Plumage-wise, this bird appears typical of the species. The grayish wash to the chest is typical in adults too. The white on the outer web of rectrix 6 is also typical for this species, so there is no hybridization there, based on the tail pattern. I would be surprised if this bird was a juvenile, however, as photos I have seen of juveniles show a few features not present on the mystery bird. These include distinctive patterned scapular feathers (pale gray centrally, with blackish subterminal tipping), as well as very prominent white fringing to the tips of the outer primaries (which I would expect on this date). The wing coverts of the
mystery bird do not appear to me to be nearly as boldly marked as on a juvenile bird (at least of photos I've seen). I would guess that this bird is of an older vintage. The overall rather worn appearance of the plumage favor an older bird at this season. The face pattern and amount of gray on the breast are each fine for adult birds.
Best,
Chris