Identification for Juvenile Plumages of Three Species of Muscicapa Flycatchers in Northeast Asia

Abstract

Identification characteristics for juvenile plumages of the Sooty Flycatcher Muscicapa sibirica, Grey-spotted Flycatcher M. griseisticta and Brown Flycatcher M. dauurica were analyzed and discussed, based on the results of observations and a review of exiting literature. The study found that the most useful characteristics for distinguishing among these three species are color, shape and size of the spots on the head and back. Even birds of first-winter plumage can be identified if these characteristics are present.