adult in near-breeding plumage (California, USA; 2007-04-28)
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Long-billed Dowitcher
Limnodromus scolopaceus
Native Range: mostly Eurasia but also visits North America routinely
Notes:
closely resembles Short-billed Dowitcher but averages longer bill, more rufous on the belly in breeding plumage, and visits freshwater pools more often; however, the two species overlap in all of these features, making their separation in the field often difficult except by call notes; notwithstanding these similarities, the two dowitcher species are genetically distinct at the DNA level; when feeding, all dowitchers vigorously probe the mud deeply, like sewing machines; often forages in large flocks.
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breeding (left) and nonbreeding plumage (California, USA; 2006-09-03)
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pair in breeding plumage(California, USA; 2007-04-28)
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pair landing (California, USA; 2007-04-28)
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group swimming (California, USA; 2011-04-09)
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pair feeding (California, USA; 2006-04-30) |
near-breeding plumage (California, USA; 2007-04-28) |
nonbreeding plumage; much grayer overall (California, USA; 2007-01-21) |
note bold white stripe up center of back (California, USA; 2007-04-28) |
group displaying relatively long bills (California, USA; 2007-04-28) |
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