An interesting Chiffchaff, Espoo, Finland 26 September 2010

This is a good example of "difficult" Chiffchaffs which seem to be quite regular in Finland. The bird is surely of eastern origin. But should birds like this be classified as tristis?

Notes from the ringer, Petteri Lehikoinen: the fore-part of the supercilium showed a warm tinge, but it was difficult to assess whether the colour was yellowish or warm buffish. The same colour was apparent also on the breast-sides, inner parts of the undertail-coverts and the feathers on the tibia. There was no deep buffish tinge as in the most typical tristis individuals. In addition, on the mantle, neck and cap there were some feathers with greenish tips. The upperparts were greyish-brown, and the scapulars and rump showed a green tinge. The ear-coverts were buff, as were the flanks and most of the undertail-coverts. The underwing-coverts were yellow (except the greater coverts), and especially the axillaries were brightly yellow. The bird was not heard calling.

Wing 58
Tail 47
Weight 7,3
Bill to skull 11,32
Tarsus 18,69
Fat 4
Muscle 2

p10 27,5 mm
p9 6,5
p8 0,5
p7 0
p6 n0
p5 1
p4 2,5
p3 4
p2 5,5
p1 7
secs10
pc-1 5

Photos (c) Petteri Lehikoinen