Sometimes the identification of individuals to a species level is not that easy. Whether the bird is an aberrantly plumaged individual, or belongs to one of two closely related and similarly featured species, sometimes the opinions of others who are more familiar with the taxa in question is beneficial. The links below are to current ID problems and some ID problems that we feel have been resolved, at least to the best of our (or those making comments) abilities. Please feel free to email us comments on any of the ID problems, whether they are current, or have been resolved. Things change over time, as new information comes to light, so just because an issue has been resolved, does not mean that it can't be reopened and further evaluated.

 

 
Current ID problems
UPDATED 30 October 2007

Strange white-faced heron near Pakaraka, Far North - click here for photos

Chestnut teal? Or are they.... click here

Pale Wandering albatrosses - just Gibson's or Snowy? - click here

Pale Pterodroma seen off North Cape, New Zealand - just a juvenile Cook's or something else - click here

Unusual Pterodroma petrel seen near the Kermadec Islands - click here to see the photo

Rock wren - what are the strange leg 'bands' - click here

Snipe seen on the Falklands - click here - are there two species photographed?

Mystery stint - click here and see what you think - is it a little stint, semi-palmated or Western sand, or a strange red-necked stint?

Aberrant plumaged red-billed gulls - very strange grey colouration - click here for info and photo

Pacific or American Golden plover - what do you think? - click here for photos and information

Strange heron/egret at Inchclutha, near Balclutha - click here for information and photo
 
Resolved (?) ID problems
 

Storm-petrel seen off Whitianga 25/01/03 - 'rediscovery' of the extinct New Zealand storm-petrel! Click here for photos and information

Strange red-billed gull? Nope, it's actually a young Black-billed gull! - click here for information and photos

Possible chestnut teal near Wanganui - click here for initial release and information, and click here for final thoughts

 


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This site is maintained and copyrighted by Wrybill Birding Tours, NZ 2003. All photos (unless otherwise stated) were taken by Brent Stephenson @ Eco-Vista and are copyrighted 2003. The use of any image without permission is not allowed. However, all photos on this site are for sale, please email Brent for more information or check out Eco-Vista's website for details.
Updated last on Tuesday, October 30, 2007