Turdus viscivorus - autumn

Mistle Thrush

AGE – BEST CRITERIA:


In 1cy, moult contrast is present in GC, most often in the central or inner part of the arm. Exceptionally, all or no GC may be included, and a contrast is then seen towards the juvenile PC or towards the post-juvenile MC. Birds with few moulted GC may also retain single juvenile MC or LC. Adult birds show a uniform and freshly moulted plumage. 

1cy: 
  • Most birds include 3-6 inner GC in the post-juvenile moult. Juvenile outer GC are usually slightly more worn, paler brown and shorter than post-juvenile ones. The pale edges and tips are rather variable but in general the juvenile feather shows a more distinct whitish outer edge that often (but not always) reaches the tip and widens along the shaft compared to post-juvenile ones with outer edges in deeper buff, often not reaching the shaft in the tip. 
  • Juvenile RR are generally slightly more worn, narrow and more pointed, but difficult birds are sometimes seen. The structure is often helpful, with the juvenile feathers being slightly less dense, less glossy and somewhat paler brownish.
  • Juvenile TT are generally slightly more worn and contrast to post-juvenile inner GC (or to a single moulted adjacent T).
  • Juvenile PC are often slightly narrower, less dense and more loose/frayed than in adult, but difference is not always obvious. 
 2cy+:
  • Whole plumage fresh, lacking moult contrasts.
  • GC are rather fresh, dense and often broad with diffuse buff edges.
  • RR are generally slightly broader, more blunt tipped and often in better condition.
  • PC are slightly more broad, dense and crisp fresh.

1cy October. The juvenile GC1-6 are rather short, slightly more worn and shows (variably) more distinct whitish outer edges and tips compared to inner post-juvenile GC7-10 that are longer, fresh and with more diffuse deep buff outer edges. [4609511]

1cy October, showing variation. GC1-6 are juvenile while inner GC7-10 are moulted post-juvenile. Note that this bird shows paler tips to the post-juvenile MC than the one to the left, and the individual variation in colour and shape of the pale tips in all wing-c should be kept in mind. [4609520]

2cy+ November. A uniform post-breeding wing showing broad and blunt GC with diffuse buff edges. [4603491]

2cy+ November, showing variation. Note that wear may start to show by late autumn. [4610531]

1cy October. Juvenile RR are generally more worn, paler brownish, less glossy, narrower and more pointed, but difficult birds are sometimes seen. [4609511]

2cy+ November, showing slightly broader, more blunt tipped, dark and glossy RR. [4610531]

1cy October. Juvenile TT are rather worn and contrasts to post-juvenile inner GC. [4609520]

2cy+ November. Note fresh and dense TT, of the same post-breeding generation as the GC. [4610531]

1cy October. Juvenile PC are often slightly narrower, less dense and more loose/frayed than in adult, but differences are not always obvious. [4609511]

2cy+ November. PC are generally slightly more broad, dense and crisp fresh. [4610531]

More Turdus viscivorus:

Ageing spring
Moult

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