The overlap of breeding ranges of the two species is very small, so it makes sense that hybrids would be rare.
Surprisingly, there are only 13 records of WETA x SUTA. So either way, either hybrid is quite rare!
Personally, I can see the merits of WETA x SCTA for the subject bird given the size and color of the bill, the lack of black on the upper back, and similarity to the one other individual photographed.
--
Nick Thorpe
University Heights
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
View/Reply Online (#17689): https://groups.io/g/SanDiegoRegionBirding/message/17689 Mute This Topic: https://groups.io/mt/118730268/858290 -=-=-
---
The monthly meetings of San Diego Field Ornithologists (SDFO) are currently virtual, open only to members, at 6pm on the third Tuesday of every month.
