The uppertail-covert pattern of 'Stejneger's Stonechat'

摘要

Migrant Siberian Stonechats Saxicola maurus trapped for ringing at Beidaihe, China, in spring 2011 and autumn 2013, revealed the presence of dark spotting on the uppertail-coverts of c. 60% of first-winter and adult birds. The markings were found more often in males than females. Siberian Stonechats are generally considered to show an unmarked rump and uppertail-coverts, whereas dark spotting is characteristic of European Stonechat S. rubicola.The frequency and size of uppertail-covert spotting is examined, and implications for identification are reviewed, in particular the separation of stejnegeri from the nominate race maurus.