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Pectoral and Sharp-tailed Sandpipers

A great shot to help identify the differences between two very tricky species, the Pectoral and Sharp-tailed Sandpipers.

 

In this photo, in the Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (left), you can see the chestnut crown; straight eyebrow; straight, dark bill and fairly plain breast.

 

Compared to the Pectoral Sandpiper on the right, which has a longer, downcurved bill with a distinctive yellow base; darker and smaller cap; well-streaked and strongly demarcated breast bar (the Sharpie's breast tends to fade into the belly, whereas in Pecs the cutoff should be quite obvious); and the less distinct curving eyebrow.

 

Photo taken by Chris Steeles, South Australia. Thanks Chris!

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Uploaded on January 23, 2014
Taken on January 22, 2014