Some of the commonest birds caught
at Sabkhat Al Fasl are Indian Reed Warblers that are a common resident breeding
species. The similar looking Great Reed Warbler is an uncommon passage migrant
but during the peak period of September to October reasonable numbers of this
species are also caught. This gives a good opportunity to study the birds side
by side and take photos of them as well. During last weekends ringing we caught
both species at the same time and below are a few photos of them in the hand.
Great Reed Warbler is much longer winged and has a thrush like bill compared to
the shorter winged Indian Reed Warbler that also has a longer thinner bill. In
October adult Indian Reed Warblers are moulting so have fresh wings and tails
making them look much darker than the worn feathers seen on similar aged Great
Reed Warblers.
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| Indian Reed Warbler (left) & Great Reed Warbler (right) |
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| Great Reed Warbler |
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| Great Reed Warbler |