Emberiza citrinella - sexing autumn

Yellowhammer

SEXING:

After completion of post-juvenile moult, most birds are reliably sexed once aged correctly. However, more difficult birds are not rare and should be left unsexed. Further help is given in Svensson (1992) and we recommend using this reference while we continue to complete our photographic collection of autumn birds.

Male, 1cy, October. A rather dull (more dull than average) young male, with rather extensive yellow bases to crown feathers hiding under the fresh brownish tips. [2KR09995]

Female, 1cy, October. Young females often show nothing more than weak yellowish hues in the chin and in front of the eye. Bases to crown feathers may lack yellow, but a few may show more. Cf. Svensson (1992). [2KR45323]

Female, 1cy, October. Long dark shaft streaks and a limited amount of yellow at the bases of the crown feathers. Note, however, tha a few young males may approach this pattern. [2KR09248]

Male, 2cy+, October. Adult males shows a bright yellow head pattern, variably concealed by olive-brown tips to the fresh feathers. [2KR09975]

More Emberiza citrinella:
Ageing autumn
Ageing spring
Sexing spring
Moult

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