Date: 12/18/25 3:39 pm From: <lehman.paul...> via groups.io <lehman.paul...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Longspur situation complicated (also an apparent Chestnut-collared)
While we were attempting photographs this morning of the one Thick-billed Longspur we were seeing at Brown Field (following Angela's two birds), I managed to photo the duller Thick-billed (see WhatsApp post or my eBird list for the one photo) while Dan Jehl thought he too was photographing the same bird. But when his photos were added to the eBird list they appeared to show a bird that is a much better fit for a Chestnut-collared Longpsur. The bill looks somewhat smaller and duskier and the underparts (as best seen in the two views) appear duller on the breast (not as buffy) and likely with more dusky streaks (though difficult to see in the photos), whereas the Thick-billed has a plainer breast with just a couple faint dusky streaks on the extreme sides.
So........be on the lookout for a Chestnut-collared. For the duller Thick-billed, think large/swollen pinkish bill and largely plain breast. And an overall female House Sparrow look. For the Chestnut-collared, think smaller, mostly duskier bill and more blurry streaking below, and perhaps slightly colder toned overall
Also, for those who go, be aware that there is a Burrowing Owl in that same field, and a Prairie Falcon makes occasional appearances.
--Paul Lehman & Dan Jehl, San Diego
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