Ontbirders,
This was posted to the identification listserve ID-FRONTIERS.
Ron and Jean
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Date: Tue, 20 Jan 2004 20:04:05 -0000
Reply-To: Phil Cannings <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sender: NBHC ID-FRONTIERS Frontiers of Field Identification
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
From: Phil Cannings <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Re: [BIRDWG01] Toronto's Mystery Falcon
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
X-Virus-Scanned: by amavisd-new at listserv.arizona.edu
In my humble opinion the bird in the photos appears to be a hybrid of Gyr
falcon & Saker falcon showing a combination of features of both species.
This is now becoming an increasingly common combination in captivity, and if
as seems likely this is an escaped falconers bird due to its tameness and
ring, this is not a surprising find.
Although size is difficult to interpret from a photograph this has the
appearance of a large, heavy and powerful falcon giving the overall
impression of a Gyr or Saker falcon, however neither species shows exactly
the combination that this bird does.
The wing to tail ratio is short, indicative of a Gyr or Saker, although it
is not as short as a pure Gyr falcon would show. Gyr falcon tends to show a
small head with large eye, a feature not particularly visible, likewise the
prominent moustache is not quite right for Gyr but both moustache and head
pattern does fit Saker.
The tail pattern (bars not spots) is right for Gyr falcon, as is the overall
pattern of the mantle and upper parts. The flank feathers are interesting as
they show prominent brown edgings but these appear to show a scallop pattern
as opposed to distinct white dots or 'thumbprints' and this scalloping is a
feature of juvenile Sakers. (I have recently studied all the skins of
juvenile Sakers and Gyrs in the British Museum of Natural History & the
National Museum of Scotland, looking at this feature).
The foot, eye-ring and cere colour, which still shows a bluish tinge,
indicate it is not an adult, and from the overall plumage I suspect it is
most likely a second calendar year bird.
I look at quite a lot of falcons in captivity as part of the UK inspection
program for captive birds of prey and have seen a number of hybrids showing
this combination of characteristics.
I hope these thoughts are of some help. If you wish to distribute them
further please feel free.
With very best wishes
Phil. Cannings.
Luton, United Kingdom.
+44 777 571 2469
-----Original Message-----
From: NBHC ID-FRONTIERS Frontiers of Field Identification
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Jean Iron
Sent: 19 January 2004 19:18
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: [BIRDWG01] Toronto's Mystery Falcon
ID-Frontiers,
A confusing falcon has been around Toronto since January 11th. Many birders
were calling it a Prairie Falcon. Jean has two photos of it on her website
via her signature below. Please give us your opinion.
We saw it today for the first time. It is NOT a Prairie Falcon. The bird
has checkered black-and-white wing linings like many Peregrines. It
completely lacks the dark wingpits (axillaries) and usual dark wing linings
(coverts) of a Prairie Falcon. It doesn't have a white area behind the eye,
which is typical of most Prairie Falcons. Interestingly, a band was seen on
its right leg by three observers. It's also tame.
Had I seen it fly by Toronto's High Park Hawkwatch in late September, I
would have guessed a large juvenile Tundra Peregrine Falcon. Others have
suggested a Saker or Lanner falcon or a falconer's hybrid.
Please see two photos taken today via signature below. What is it?
Ron Pittaway and Jean Iron
Jean Iron
http://www3.sympatico.ca/jeaniron/
9 Lichen Place
Toronto ON M3A 1X3
416-445-9297
Jean Iron <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
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