I forgot to include links to photos. Here are a few of my own, with a couple of Northern Shrike shots for comparison:
http://picasaweb.google.com/tixbirdz/LongIslandMiscellany2010# Here are some from John Gluth: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jgluth_brb/sets/72157625379326695/with/5212944549/ ________________________________________ From: bounce-7483412-3714...@list.cornell.edu [bounce-7483412-3714...@list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Shaibal Mitra [shaibal.mi...@csi.cuny.edu] Sent: Wednesday, December 01, 2010 9:16 AM To: NYSBIRDS (NYSBIRDS-L@cornell.edu) Subject: [nysbirds-l] Identity of Jones Beach Shrike A shrike present at Jones Beach West End, Nassau County, LI has been identified by many as a Northern Shrike, but a considerable amount of back-channel discussion has questioned whether it might actually be a Loggerhead. When I finally saw this bird well this past weekend I was already aware of the debates surrounding its identity, so I made an effort to evaluate the various characters that have been proposed in support of each species. As might be suspected multiple features have been proposed to support each view, so the question is how to evaluate the relative reliability of each character. To me, the bird appeared relatively small and quick (vs. the large and lanky impression usually imparted by Northern Shrike), with a relatively large head, rounded crown, and short bill--all consistent with Loggerhead Shrike. Also consistent with Loggerhead Shrike was the relatively dark gray tone to its back. Features more consistent with Northern Shrike include: extensively pale base to lower mandible, heavily hooked upper mandible, the shape of the black mask behind the eye, obvious gray barring on the breast in the absence of any barring on the back. The appearance of this bird's mask in the area of the eye itself and in front of the eye seems equivocal and has been argued in both directions, but I find it easier to find photos of Loggerheads that match its facial appearance than photos of Northerns that do so. Taking these features individually, I think that individual variation could account for many discrepancies either way. For instance, it seems plausible that some Northern Shrikes could have small bills and that some Loggerheads could have heavily hooked bills, etc. To me, the difficult questions are: 1. Could a Northern Shrike could look so small, quick, and large-headed? 2. Could an immature Loggerhead Shrike show a pale-based mandible and ventral barring in the absence of dorsal barring? 3. Is this bird's mask pattern possibly diagnostic, despite the conflicting impressions of local observers? Any constructive answers to these questions would be greatly appreciated! Shai Mitra Bay Shore Think green before you print this email. -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ -- Think green before you print this email. -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
