Re: [SBB] Chestnut-backed Chickadee?

[Bill Bousman <[[email protected]]>]

Folks:

Although what Phil means by "subdued for this variety" is unclear, it 
may be useful to point out that there are three subspecies of 
Chestnut-backed Chickadee: the nominate _rufescens_, _neglectus_, and 
our own _barlowi_.  Many field guides illustrate only _rufescens_, 
which has rich rufous flanks.  But Sibley correctly notes that birds 
from Marin county south (_neglectus_ and  _barlowi_) are largely gray 
on the flanks.  (There is variation, check out our local adults and 
you will note that some show pale rufous where others do not.)  I 
think Phil's picture is typical of _barlowi_, which is the resident 
subspecies here.

At 02:51 PM 6/2/2007, Philip Terzian wrote:
>Hi All,
>
>I visited the McClellan Ranch Park today and took this CHICKADEE 
>photo.  I think it is a CHESTNUT-BACKED variety, but I am not 
>certain and would appreciate a correction if someone knows for 
>sure.  The browns seem a bit subdued for this variety.
>
><http://pt-photos.com/Chickadee_page.htm>http://pt-photos.com/Chickadee_page.htm
>
>There were many other birds around too, including  SCRUB JAY, GOLD 
>FINCH, HOUSE FINCH.
>
>I was not able to find the oft reported OWL, probably because I 
>didn't know exactly were to look.  :-(
>
>Happy birding to all.
>
>
>Phil Terzian

Bill Bousman
Santa Clara County records compiler 



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