T O P I C S I N I D E N T I F I C AT I O N

Advances
in the Field Identification of North American
Dowitchers
Cin-Ty Lee
Department of Earth Science
MS-126
Rice University
6100 Main Street
T see
he North American dowitchers are superficially so similar that,
up until the 1950s (Pitelka 1950), the taxonomy of dowitchers
was not yet agreed upon due to difficulty in field identification;
Jaramillo et al. (1991) for a synopsis of the historical changes in
taxonomy. Part of this confusion stems from seasonal variability in
Houston, Texas 77005 dowitcher plumages and from subspecific variation in Short-billed.
However, it is now agreed that dowitchers can be divided into two
ctlee@[Link] species, the Long-billed (Limnodromus scolapaceus) and Short-billed (L.
griseus) Dowitchers, the latter comprising three subspecies: griseus,
which breeds in the Maritime provinces; hendersoni, which breeds in
Andrew Birch Alberta and Manitoba; and caurinus, which breeds in southwestern and
southern coastal Alaska (Pitelka 1950, AOU 1957, Takekawa and
1037 South Ogden Drive Warnock 2000, Jehl et al. 2001).
Los Angeles, California 90019 Advances in the field identification of dowitchers have been made
over the past few decades by numerous field ornithologists (Wilds and
andyrbirch@[Link] Newlon 1983, Hayman et al. 1986, Kaufman 1990, Jaramillo et al.
1991, Paulson 1993, Chandler
Short-billed Dowitcher (race hendersoni). Churchill, Manitoba; June 1996. © Kevin T. Karlson. 1998, Dunn 1999, NGS 1999,
Sibley 2000). It is now common
knowledge that the flight calls of
the two species are different
enough that voice can be used for
reliable and easy field identifica-
tion. There have also been con-
siderable advances in the field
identification of dowitchers in
fresh alternate and juvenal plum-
age (Jaramillo et al. 1991, Paul-
son 1993). However, silent birds
in basic and worn alternate
plumage still represent identifica-
tion challenges.
Here we present new structural
field marks and more-refined
plumage field marks (plate, p. 37;
Fig. 1) which, taken together,
provide a new system for identi-
fying North American dowitch-
ers. The results presented here
are based on almost a decade of
observing dowitchers at all sea-
sons (in California, Massachu-

34 BIRDING • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006

Separating the two North American dowitcher species has long been a challenge for birders.
This article describes an important field mark for distinguishing between the two species
and reassesses the conventional wisdom about some previous distinctions.
setts, and Texas). We also examined 100+ photographs and ence in loral angle has not been previously described. This
numerous specimens in the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology at structural field mark, although subtle, holds in all plumages
the University of California at Berkeley, the Los Angeles and ages. With experience, it can even be discerned on birds in
County Natural History Museum, and the Harvard Museum of flight. We have independently field-tested this method and
Comparative Zoology. have found this field mark to be remarkably robust, particularly
in picking out a lone Short-billed within a flock of Long-billeds
Structural Field Marks or vice versa. We caution, however, that one should never base
Loral angle, supercilium, and structural placement of the eye identification on one field mark alone. Facial expression and
In an attempt to quantify “gestalt” or “jizz” features, such as loral angle at any given snapshot in time can vary depending on
facial expressions, we define a parameter that we term here the the bird’s posture or behavior (for example, facial expression
loral angle. Given a direct profile view, this is the angle between can change when individuals open their mouths, feed, or
an imaginary extension of the gape of the bill toward the back preen). This field mark should be used in conjunction with
of the head and the line connecting the gape of the bill with the other structural and plumage field marks, which we discuss
center of the bird’s iris (Fig. 1). An important feature of the loral next.
angle is that it is a scale-independent variable, which makes it
especially useful when studying birds in the field or in photo- Bill shape and length
graphs (absolute bill length, in contrast, requires that all pho- It is well-known that Long-billed tends to have longer bills than
tographed birds be scaled to the same size). Short-billeds (note that females of both species have slightly
We measured loral angles from profile photographs of dow- longer bills). However, a less-discussed field mark pertains to
itchers that were resting but had their bills extended outward. bill shape. On Short-billed, the bill begins to gently curve
We tried to avoid oblique views and instances in which dow- downward about one third of the way from the tip. This gives
itchers were preening, probing in the mud, or sleeping; see Fig. Short-billed a somewhat down-curved bill shape. On Long-
1c. Long-billed’s loral angle averages smaller (more acute) than billed, the bill is typically very straight along most of its length.
Short-billed’s. There is some overlap in loral angle between the The straight supercilium, more acute loral angle, and typically
two species, but part of this over-
lap is probably due to artifacts of Long-billed Dowitcher in worn alternate plumage. Alaska; early July 1995. © Kevin T. Karlson.
projecting some obliquely viewed
birds onto the two-dimensional
plane of the photograph even
though we tried to minimize the
number of oblique views. In any
case, the difference in loral angle
appears to be a manifestation of
the fact that the eye on Short-
billed is placed just slightly higher
on the head than on Long-billed.
This small structural difference
subtly influences facial expres-
sion. The higher placement of the
eye on Short-billed forces a
slightly more arched supercilium,
whereas that on Long-billed is
subtly straighter. The supercilium
on Short-billed also tends to be
slightly wider in the front, giving
it a somewhat flared appearance,
which accentuates the arched
shape. In Long-billed, the super-
cilium is thinner.
As far as we know, the differ-

W W W. A M E R I C A N B I R D I N G . O R G 35
 D O W I T C H E R S

mens and then later hinted at by Jaramillo et al.

(1991). The effect of Long-billeds having
slightly longer legs is that in mixed flocks,
Long-billeds are often seen wading in slightly
deeper water whereas Short-billeds are closer to
the shore (somewhat akin to the differentiation
in water depth preference between Western and
Semipalmated Sandpipers). With experience,
this feature can often be discerned, especially in
side-by-side comparisons (Fig. 6).

Fig. 1. A and B show how

Aging, Molt, Migration, and Biology
loral angle is defined, Overall molt strategy
using Long-billed (A) The first step in using plumage field marks is to determine age
and Short-billed (B) and molt stage. Individuals in their first several months of life
Dowitchers as examples. are in juvenal plumage, characterized by pale to slightly buffy
C shows a histogram of
loral angles determined
underparts, pale-edged feathers on the upperparts, and
from photographs of the uniquely marked scapulars, coverts and/or tertials. Over most
two dowitcher species. of the Lower 48 states, juvenile dowitchers begin arriving in
Photo A: © Jo-Szu Tsai. August. In Texas, juvenile Short-billeds arrive by 20 August; on
Photo B: © Cin-Ty Lee. the West Coast, they start to appear in the first week of August.
However, juvenile Long-billeds begin arriving at the very end of
August (rarely so) and early September. For both species, the
longer bill of Long-billed collectively serve to accentuate the first juveniles to arrive are characterized by very fresh
overall very straight appearance of the bill. Again, we caution plumages, and juvenal plumage in both species persists into late
that bill shape can vary even on the same individual; both dow- September and early October. By late October and early Novem-
itcher species have tactile mandibles and thus can temporarily ber, juveniles have largely molted into basic plumage, although
alter the shape of their bills when feeding or probing. remnants of juvenal-plumage tertials or coverts may still remain
(sometimes even until January; Fig. 3).
Body shape Fresh alternate plumage in both species (especially so for
Another subtle and rarely discussed field mark is body shape. Short-billed) is characterized by dark mantle feathers edged by
The lower back on Long-billed has a slight indentation or con- bright buff fringes. In adults, molt into alternate plumage
cavity (Figs. 2 and 3). This is probably a manifestation of the begins in early March (hints of alternate scapulars may come in
tertials being pushed up slightly by the tail on Long-billed. As a even by late February) on wintering grounds and involves the
consequence, Long-billed tends to have a longer tail, a more gradual replacement of tertial, covert, and scapular feathers
tapered or attenuated rear, and a slightly “cocked” tail appear- over the course of the next two months (molt in first-year birds
ance (B. J. Small, personal communication). In Short-billed, the discussed in the next section). Molt into fresh alternate
lower back is less indented and appears to have a stouter rear plumage is usually complete by late April, such that north-
and less of a “cocked” tail appearance (Figs. 4 and 5). bound migrants of both species are mostly in full alternate
plumage. However, the timing of molt is not perfectly synchro-
Head shape nous. In April, any given flock of northbound dowitchers of
Head shape is yet another structural field mark that can be both species may contain individuals at various stages of molt
helpful when scanning dowitcher flocks. Long-billed has a into alternate plumage. By May, however, both species are in full
slightly shallower forehead, whereas Short-billed has a steeper alternate plumage—except for basic Short-billeds (presumably
forehead. It is possible that these differences may be related to first-summer birds) that summer on the coast.
the different placements of the eye and structure of the super- Basic plumage in both species is characterized by gray upper-
cilium between the two species. Indeed, the steep forehead, parts and whitish underparts (Figs. 2–4). Molt from alternate to
slightly arched supercilium, and slightly higher structural basic (in adults) begins in both species as early as late July, but
placement of the eye in Short-billed give it a generally distinc- most of this early molt involves slight changes to head or
tive facial expression. The shallower forehead on Long-billed underpart coloration and the replacement of a few coverts. First
helps to accentuate its slightly straighter supercilium. fall arrivals of adults in both species are largely in full but worn
alternate plumage (Figs. 5 and 6). Most of the transition from
Tarsus length alternate to basic plumage is completed on wintering grounds
Long-billeds have slightly longer legs than Short-billeds. This was and is largely complete for most birds by late August or early
pointed out by Pitelka (1950) based on measurements on speci- September. One difference, as pointed out by Putnam (2005), is

36 BIRDING • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006

 Short-billed Dowitcher
Long-billed Dowitcher griseus • summer
summer

Short-billed Dowitcher
caurinus • summer

Short-billed Dowitcher
hendersoni • summer

Short-billed Dowitcher Long-billed Dowitcher

winter winter

Short-billed Dowitcher
juvenile Long-billed Dowitcher
juvenile

North American Dowitchers. © Andrew Birch.

W W W. A M E R I C A N B I R D I N G . O R G 37
 D O W I T C H E R S

rience from the Pacific Northwest, Paulson also suggested that a

few of these first-year Short-billeds may summer locally on their
wintering grounds. Our surveys along the upper Texas coast
(2002–2005) confirm Paulson’s speculations. Large numbers (up
to 400) of Short-billeds (hendersoni) remain through the summer
along the upper Texas Coast (C.-T. Lee and Ron Weeks, personal
observation). For example, in June along the upper Texas coast,
95% of these summering individuals are in fresh basic plumage
although many may show one alternate tertial or a few alternate
covert feathers. The remaining ~5% are birds that have only
partly molted into alternate plumage. Such birds show a tint of
Fig. 2. On these Long-billed Dowitchers in basic plumage, diagnostic field marks in- red or orange on the undersides, but have a number of basic-like
clude the following: low loral angle, straight supercilium, limited pale region around
chin, dark covert feathers with brown (instead of white) fringes, dark and barred sides, covert feathers. An important feature of all of these summering
dark chest, and short primary projection. The pale chin is more limited in extent on Long- birds is that, although they are mostly in fresh basic plumage,
billed than on Short-billed such that on sleeping birds, the pale chin is not seen on Long- their outer primaries appear to be pale brown, and hence worn.
billed. Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, Texas; 9 October 2005. © Cin-Ty Lee. In early July, there is a rapid increase in the number of Short-
billeds along the upper Texas coast, but nearly all of these are in
that Long-billeds molt their primaries during migration worn alternate plumage and represent southbound migrants. The
whereas Short-billeds wait until they arrive at their wintering primaries on these fall arrivals tend to be darker, and hence
grounds to molt their primaries. fresher, than those on individuals that have summered locally.
Putnam argued that for birds that can be unequivocally These observations corroborate the suggestion by Paulson
demonstrated to be migrants, the differing molt strategy can that summering individuals are first-year birds. Additional cir-
be a reliable field mark. This field mark is unlikely to be use- cumstantial evidence in support of this suggestion comes from
ful anywhere along the Pacific, Gulf, or Atlantic coasts, which our surveys of shorebirds at Bolivar Flats, an extensive mudflat
are not only migration stopovers but also wintering grounds region for migrating and wintering shorebirds along the Texas
for Short-billeds. For example, in mid-July, along the upper coast. During June 2004, approximately 150 Short-billed Dow-
Texas coast, some of the first Short-billeds to arrive (or pass itchers summered at Bolivar Flats. In contrast, only ~30 were
through) have already lost their inner primaries, suggesting found at this same locality in June 2005, which followed an
that molt strategy may be a little more complicated than sug- unusually poor shorebird nesting season the previous year, as
gested by Putnam. It is possible that the apparent difference in evidenced by the fact that during the fall of 2004 very few juve-
molt strategy suggested by Putnam is due to the fact that nile Short-billeds (<2% of the population) were observed at
Short-billed migrates south through the Lower 48 slightly ear- Bolivar Flats. Many more juvenile Short-billeds were observed
lier than Long-billed. In the Pacific Northwest and along the in the fall of 2005.
central California coast, Short-billeds (caurinus) arrive by late It is likely that Short-billeds take one year to achieve full
June, while Long-billeds arrive by mid-July (Paulson 1993, plumage maturation. During their first spring, they molt
Roberson 2002). In Illinois, Short-billeds begin arriving in directly into basic plumage. Many of these individuals over-
early to mid-July and Long-billeds much later (Robinson summer on their wintering grounds along the Gulf Coast (hen-
1996). Along the upper Texas coast, Short-billeds (hendersoni) dersoni). A few may summer locally in the Pacific Northwest,
arrive in early July while Long-billeds arrive in mid- to late
July (Eubanks et al. 2006; C.-T. Lee, personal observation). In
New England, Short-billeds (presumably mostly griseus) begin
passing through in early July while Long-billeds begin passing
through in mid- to late July (Veit and Petersen 1993). Thus,
rough differences in molt strategy (Putnam 2005) may be a
helpful field mark, but like any other character, should be
used only in conjunction with other field marks. An addi-
tional complication in the molt “field mark” is the molting
strategy of first-year birds, which we discuss below.

Peculiarities of first-year birds

Fig. 3. This first-year Long-billed Dowitcher is presumably a male. Note that al-
Our discussion thus far of the prebasic molt pertains only to though the length of the bill is on the short end of the spectrum for Long-billed, it
adult birds, at least in the case of Short-billed Dowitchers. Paul- appears straighter than on Short-billed. Note the more acute loral angle, the
son (1993) suggested that Short-billeds may take one year to straighter supercilium, the dark chest and sides, the barred (rather than chevroned)
mature into adults and that, during their first spring, they may flanks), and the dark upperparts. Some juvenal scapulars are still present. Bolivar
actually molt directly into second basic plumage. Based on expe- Flats, Texas; 7 January 2006. © Cin-Ty Lee.

38 BIRDING • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006

 change significantly with age and is often cited as a reliable field
mark (Wilds 1990, Jaramillo et al. 1991, Jaramillo and Hen-
shaw 1995). On Short-billed, the white (or buff in alternate
plumage) bars on the tail feathers are reported to be as wide or
slightly wider than the black bars; on Long-billed, the black
bars are wider than the white (or buff in alternate plumage)
Fig. 4. Distinctive features to note on this basic-plumage Short-billed Dowitcher in- bars, sometimes even twice as wide. Paulson (1993), however,
clude the following: short, somewhat decurved bill; larger loral angle; arched supercil- has noted that there is some overlap in tail feather pattern
ium; lighter upperparts; lighter chest; and chevroned (instead of barred) sides. Bolivar between Long-billeds and Pacific coast Short-billeds (caurinus).
Flats, Texas; 7 January 2006. © Cin-Ty Lee. We have also observed variability in tail feather patterns in
Long-billeds and Short-billeds along the Gulf Coast (hendersoni
central California coast, and the Atlantic coast (Zeranski and in Texas). Thus, although Short-billed generally tends to have
Baptist 1990, Paulson 1993, Veit and Petersen 1993, Sibley wider pale bars on the tail feathers, this field mark should be
1997, Roberson 2002), but total numbers are much lower than used cautiously. Nevertheless, it can often be used as a clue to
on the Gulf Coast. Interior summer records away from breeding the presence of an odd dowitcher. These cautionary caveats are
grounds are rare, but not non-existent. For example, Patten et in agreement with Jaramillo et al. (1991).
al. (2003) report several June records of Short-billeds at the
Salton Sea in southern California, and Robinson (1996) reports Field marks in juvenal plumage
one June record for southern Illinois; these birds could poten- Dowitchers are easiest to separate in juvenal plumage. Tertial
tially represent summering individuals. pattern is a handy and reliable field mark. Fresh juvenal tertials
First-summer Short-billeds in July show highly worn outer on Short-billed are overall dark gray, but are fringed with con-
primaries but actually have fresh, full-grown inner primaries trasting buff/orange edges and are internally marked by strong
indicating that they have already molted and replaced their buff/orange stripes, the latter giving a “tiger-striped” appear-
flight feathers by mid-summer. By contrast, alternate-plumage ance (see Paulson 1993). In contrast, Long-billed tertials are
fall arrivals of Short-billeds on the upper Texas coast are only dark gray with narrower buff edges and duller to no internal
then beginning to molt their inner primaries as evidenced by markings. It is often erroneously stated that juvenal Long-billed
distinct “windows” in their secondaries and primaries. This tertials lack internal markings altogether.
means that these first-year birds begin molting inner primaries Juvenal greater coverts on Short-billed are also strongly pat-
much earlier than the adults. If some of these Short-billeds terned, whereas those on Long-billed are typically uniform gray.
summered in interior localities or to the north, then it is likely Both species have patterned juvenal scapulars, but those on
that some southbound Short-billeds will already have started Short-billed tend to be more strongly marked owing to brighter
molting their primaries. Thus, care must be taken to age the and bolder buff fringes to the scapulars. Finally, the crown on
birds before molt timing is used as a field mark. juvenile Short-billeds has an overall dark brown coloration,
The question that follows is whether Long-billeds behave which is a manifestation of its chestnut ground coloration upon
similarly with regard to plumage maturation. In stark contrast which are superimposed fine black streaks. The dark brown
to Short-billeds, summer records of Long-billeds away from crown contrasts with the white supercilium. On juvenal-
breeding grounds seem to be rare. Small numbers regularly plumage Long-bills, the crown is slightly grayer, showing
summer along the coast in the Pacific Northwest, but total slightly less contrast with the rest of the plumage.
numbers are nowhere near those of summering Short-billeds
(Paulson 1993). Similarly, we have recorded a few Long-billeds
in basic-like plumage along the upper Texas coast in late May
and early June, although none of these stayed through June.
One place where summering Long-billeds may be more com-
mon is in the Salton Sea. Patten et al. (2003) report that non-
breeding Long-billeds regularly summer at this spot each year,
the highest summer count being 40 on 20 June 1991. Clearly,
more work is needed to clarify the migratory and molt behavior
of first-year Long-billeds. However, the above observations sug-
gest that at least some Long-billeds may summer locally on win-
tering grounds. Are such individuals first-year birds, and if so,
how does this complicate our understanding of molt timing? Fig. 5. On this Short-billed Dowitcher (hendersoni) in worn alternate plumage, note the
high loral angle, the arched supercilium, and the short and somewhat decurved bill. Note
Plumage Field Marks too the long primary projection. Side spotting is still retained. Although the pale fringes of
Pattern of tail feathers the alternate covert feathers have been worn away, the black feather centers have pointed
Tail feather pattern is one plumage feature believed not to tips rather than squared-off tips. Bolivar Flats, Texas; 11 August 2005. © Akira Yamamoto.

W W W. A M E R I C A N B I R D I N G . O R G 39
 D O W I T C H E R S

Field marks in basic plumage

Basic-plumage dowitchers present the greatest identification
challenges. However, some field marks, when collectively used,
are fairly reliable. The flanks on Long-billed tend to be washed Fig. 8. On these Short-billed Dowitchers (hendersoni) in fresh alternate plumage, note the
with dusky or dark gray vertical bars (Figs. 2 and 3). On Short- V-shaped covert feathers, the lightly spotted sides, and the largely reddish underparts but with
a slightly whitish lower belly and flanks. Bolivar Flats, Texas; early May 2006. © Cin-Ty Lee.
billed, the flanks have slightly paler gray splotches or spots;
these spots are occasionally arranged in a somewhat vertical
barred pattern, but overall the spotting is sparser than the bar-
ring on Long-billed (Fig. 4). Thus, the sides and flanks of Short-
billed tend to be slightly paler overall and as a consequence the
contrast between the sides/flanks and white belly is less than
that seen on Long-billed.
Chest coloration is also a helpful field mark (Figs. 2–4). On
Long-billed, the chest appears to be composed of a continuous
and uniform dark wash. On Short-billed, the gray color of the Fig. 9. On the Long-billed Dowitcher in fresh alternate plumage, at left, note the
chest is composed of small spots or streaks. As a consequence, squared-off white feather tips on the median and greater coverts. Note also the black-
Long-billed has a slightly darker chest that contrasts more with barred sides of the breast and the diagnostic white edges to the black bars (these will be
worn away by mid-summer). Note further that the primaries do not project beyond the
longest tertial. On this bird, the black stripes on the tail feathers are distinctly thicker than
the white stripes. Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, Texas; mid-April 2002. © Cin-Ty Lee.
On the Long-billed Dowitcher in fresh alternate plumage, at right, note the small
loral angle, the short primary projection, the long and straight bill, and the barred sides.
The squared-off white feather tips give this bird an overall white-barred appearance at a
distance. Japan; spring 2005. © Akira Yamamoto.

the white belly than on Short-billed. We also note that the

slightly darker chest of Long-billed is more sharply demarcated
from the white undersides, whereas that on Short-billed is only
slightly demarcated.
Another helpful field mark is that the dark wash on the chest
of Long-billed grades gradually into the chin. However, on
Fig. 6. These two dowitchers (Long-billed, left; hendersoni Short-billed, right) in
worn alternate plumage provide a good comparative study. Note the Long-billed’s Short-billed, the entire chin tends to be whiter or paler. From a
proportionately longer legs, and longer and straighter bill. Note also that the Long- distance, this effect gives Short-billed a pale-chinned appear-
billed’s upperparts appear darker due to the narrower internal feather markings. Note ance whereas Long-billed often has a more-uniform gray wash
further that on worn-alternate Long-billed, the black bars on the sides (distinctive in from the chin down to the upper chest or a limited region of
fresh alternate plumage) have worn away, giving relatively clear orangey sides. On paleness confined to the chin. The Short-billed’s slightly pale
Short-billed, some side spotting is retained. The wash on the undersides of Long-
billed is brighter and redder than in Short-billed. Bolivar Flats, Texas; 31 July 2005. chin gives this species a somewhat “belted” appearance, which
© Cin-Ty Lee. is not as pronounced as in Long-billed. The more extensive pale
chin on Short-billed can be seen on sleeping birds. Sleeping
Long-billed Dowitcher Long-billeds show less-obvious pale chins.

Field marks in alternate plumage

The identification of alternate-plumaged dowitchers is often
much more difficult than standard field guides or texts portray.
A B C
Wilds and Newlon (1983) and Jaramillo et al. (1991) provide
Short-billed Dowitcher good overviews of the identification of alternate-plumage birds.
We expand on their work here.
The most commonly cited field mark in alternate plumage is
the difference in underpart coloration and in the pattern of bar-
D E F G ring or spotting on the flanks and sides of the breast. On all
three subspecies of Short-billed, the sides of the breast are typ-
Fig. 7. Depicted here is the range of variation in alternate greater coverts in dow- ically spotted, whereas the sides of the breast on Long-billed
itchers: fresh (A & B) alternate greater covert feathers in Long-billed Dowitcher; worn
Long-billed Dowitcher covert (C); variation in fresh covert feathers in Short-billed Dow- are barred (flanks of griseus and caurinus Short-billeds may be
itcher (D–F); worn covert feather of Short-billed Dowitcher (G). © Cin-Ty Lee. slightly barred). In fresh alternate plumage, these features are
generally reliable, given a close-enough view. Another charac-

40 BIRDING • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006

teristic that has been reported in the literature is that Short- scapular and covert feathers in late-summer alternate-plumage
billeds tend to have paler bellies, whereas the entire underparts birds are worn away, the upper edges of these feathers are usu-
of Long-billed are typically orangish red. The problem is that ally faded. Because Short-billed shows more extensive white
in worn alternate plumage—and almost all southbound edging than Long-billed, this feature is often still preserved in
migrants are in worn alternate—the barring and spots can be worn alternate plumage, such that late-summer Long-billeds
non-existent due to fading and wear. In addition, birds in tran- appear very dark-backed while Short-billeds appear lighter-
sition to or from alternate plumage can be characterized by backed from a distance.
highly variable underpart coloration. Transitional birds of both Underparts and sides of breast. In fresh full alternate
species may have unusually pale bellies associated with basic plumage, Long-billeds are characterized by extensive dark
plumage, rendering the above-mentioned field marks some- reddish underparts and sides of breast marked by vertical
what less reliable. Below, we present a few underappreciated black bars edged with white fringes. The pattern of barring is
field marks that, when used in combination with underpart visible only in close-up views. However, when this feature is
coloration and pattern, will greatly aid in field identification. seen, it is diagnostic for Long-billed and has been widely
Lower scapulars and greater and median coverts. Although not reported and illustrated in the literature. It is important to
explicitly presented in the literature, all subspecies of Short- note that the black bars and their white fringes are very deli-
billed have lower scapular and median and greater covert pat- cate, with the result that they often wear away by the end of
terns that differ distinctly from that of Long-billed (Figs. 7–9). May (cf. Jaramillo et al. 1991). In worn alternate plumage,
The diagnostic feature is the shape and extent of the feather tips Long-billeds often have clear sides and appear dark reddish
(Fig. 7). The alternate-plumage lower scapulars and median throughout the undersides.
and greater covert feather tips on both species are edged with Short-billeds in fresh alternate plumage are characterized by
white. On Short-billed, the white edges continue up the feather, orangish underparts slightly lighter than those of Long-
gradually grading into buff feather edges. This pattern gives the billeds. Short-billeds also tend to have more white on the belly
lower scapulars and covert feathers on Short-billed a distinct V- or vent, ranging from small amounts of white on the vent of
shaped appearance. On Long-billed, the white on the lower hendersoni to an extensively pale belly in griseus; caurinus is
scapular and covert feathers is largely confined to the tips. The variably pale on the belly, sometimes approaching griseus.
upper part of the white edges of the feather tips stops abruptly Instead of the white-fringed black bars of Long-billed, the side
and is often separated from the buff edges of the upperparts of of the breast on Short-billeds is characterized by round black
each feather by a black bar across the feather. Thus, the white spots. The extent of spotting on the sides of the breast in
feather tips on Long-billed do not typically show a V-shape but Short-billed is highly variable. The spots are numerous in cau-
instead appear to have flat tops and only shallow indentations. rinus but sparse to non-existent in hendersoni. These side spots
On Long-billed, the “squared off” tops of the white feather tips appear to be more easily retained than the black bars on Long-
often give fresh alternate Long-billeds a white-barred appear- billed. As such, on worn alternate Short-billeds, the sides
ance from a distance. On Short-billed, the V-shaped covert remain somewhat spotted unlike Long-billed.
feather tips and more-extensive buffy edges to the lower scapu-
lar and covert feathers tend to give a more striped appearance Identification of Short-billed Subspecies
to the upperparts (Wilds and Newlon 1983, Jaramillo et al. The three subspecies of Short-billed Dowitcher show subtle dif-
1991). This results in an overall lighter coloration to the upper- ferences in alternate plumage, but are indistinguishable in basic
parts on Short-billeds than on Long-billeds. and juvenal plumages. In general, in fresh alternate plumage
One advantage of the lower scapular and covert feather field hendersoni has the most extensive reddish coloration. On hen-
mark is that even in highly worn alternate plumage (July or dersoni, the upper chest, breast, and belly are reddish, leaving
August), a few relatively unworn lower scapular and covert only the flanks and undertail coverts whitish. The eastern sub-
feathers usually remain (Figs. 5 and 6). These unworn feather species griseus appears to have the least amount of red/orange
tips often stand out in worn alternate plumage because the rest on the underparts in fresh alternate plumage. In griseus, the
of the upperparts appear darker due to the abrasion of the pale upper chest, face, and chin have an orangish wash, but the
feather edges. However, even in the case in which all alternate- breast, belly, flanks, and undertail coverts are typically whitish.
plumage feathers exhibit wear, the foregoing field marks can The western subspecies caurinus appears to be intermediate
still be used. After the pale feather tips have been worn down, (but variably so) between hendersoni and griseus in terms of the
the structure of the alternate lower scapular and covert feath- extent of reddish/orangish coloration on the undersides.
ers tends to retain the shape of the dark feather centers. Thus, Other differences include the pattern of the barring/spotting
in Short-billed, wearing away of the V-shaped white feather tips on the flanks in fresh alternate plumage. On hendersoni, the
results in deeply pointed black scapular and covert feathers. In sides and flanks are marked by sparsely spaced spots or small
Long-billed, worn lower scapular and covert feathers accord- chevrons. In some cases, the spotting on the sides of hendersoni
ingly have a more squarish or blunt tip. It is also important to is so sparse that the sides look uniformly red/orange. On cauri-
highlight that although most of the whitish tips of the lower nus and griseus, the sides are more extensively marked and
W W W. A M E R I C A N B I R D I N G . O R G 41
 D O W I T C H E R S

often are arranged as bars or chevrons Birds 91:93–106.

rather than spots. Dunn, J.L. 1999. Some additional thoughts on dowitchers. Ohio
The pattern of lower scapular and covert Cardinal 23:30–33.
feathers also differs subtly among the sub- Eubanks, T.L., R.A. Behrstock, and R.J. Weeks. 2006. Birdlife of
species. In hendersoni and caurinus the Houston, Galveston, and the Upper Texas Coast. Texas A&M
upper edges of these feathers are fringed University Press, College Station.
buff or orange, whereas in griseus the Hayman, P., J. Marchant, and T. Prater. 1986. Shorebirds: An Iden-
upper edges are fringed white. The width tification Guide. Houghton Mifflin, Boston.
of the pale fringes to the lower scapular Jaramillo, A., and B. Henshaw. 1995. Identification of breeding
and covert feathers tends to be thicker on plumaged Long- and Short-billed Dowitchers. Birding World
hendersoni than on caurinus and griseus. 8:221–228.
Overall, hendersoni appears to have much Jaramillo, A., R. Pittaway, and P. Burke. 1991. The identification
brighter and buffier upperparts when and migration of breeding plumaged dowitchers in south-
viewed from a distance. In contrast, griseus ern Ontario. Birders Journal 1:8–25.
and caurinus have overall darker upper- Jehl, J.R., J. Klima, and R.E. Harris. 2001. Short-billed Dowitcher
parts (due to the thinner pale fringes), with (Limnodromus griseus), in: A. Poole and F. Gill, eds. Birds of
griseus appearing white-striped and cauri- North America, no. 564. Birds of North America, Philadel-
nus appearing orange-striped. phia.
We reiterate that these purported dif- Kaufman, K. 1990. Field Guide to Advanced Birding. Houghton
ferences between subspecies are subtle Mifflin, Boston.
and likely subject to considerable varia- National Geographic Society [NGS]. 1999. Field Guide to the Birds
tion. Any claim that all alternate- of North America, third edition. National Geographic Society,
plumaged Short-billeds can be identified Washington.
to the subspecific level should be met Paulson, D. 1993. Shorebirds of the Pacific Northwest. University
with skepticism. of Washington Press, Seattle.
Pitelka, F.A. 1950. Geographic variation and the species prob-
Acknowledgments lem in the shorebird genus Limnodromus. University of Cali-
We thank Carla Cicero for access to fornia Publications in Zoology 50:1–108.
specimens at the University of Califor- Patten, M.A., G. McCaskie, and P. Unitt. 2003. Birds of the Salton
nia at Berkeley Museum of Vertebrate Sea: Status, Biogeography, and Ecology. University of Califor-
Zoology and Kimball Garrett for access nia Press, Berkeley.
to the Los Angeles County Natural His- Putnam, C. 2005. A tale of two strategies: Fall molts of adult
tory Museum. We are indebted to the dowitchers. Birding 37:380–390.
late Ned K. Johnson (University of Cal- Roberson, D. 2002. Monterey Birds. Monterey Peninsula
ifornia at Berkeley Museum of Verte- Audubon Society, Carmel.
brate Zoology) and the late Raymond Robinson, W.D. 1996. Southern Illinois Birds: An Annotated List
Paynter (Harvard University) for inspi- and Site Guide. Southern Illinois University Press, Carbon-
ration and encouragement. We thank dale.
Ted Eubanks, Brian J. Small, Martin Sibley, D. 1997. The Birds of Cape May. New Jersey Audubon
Birch, Julian Hough, Ron Weeks, Brush Society and Cape May Bird Observatory, Cape May.
Freeman, and various contributors to Sibley, D. 2000. The Sibley Guide to Birds. Knopf, New York.
<[Link]> for discussions and/or Takekawa, J.Y., and N. Warnock. 2000. Long-billed Dowitcher
suggestions. We also thank Angus Wil- (Limnodromus scolopaceus), in: A. Poole and F. Gill, eds. Birds
son, Matthew Hysell, Jo-Szu Tsai, Tokio of North America, no. 493. Birds of North America, Philadel-
Sugiyama, Akira Yamamoto, and Kinjo phia.
Yonemoto for contributing and acquir- Veit, R.R., and W. R. Petersen. 1993. Birds of Massachusetts. Mas-
ing photographs. sachusetts Audubon Society, Lincoln.
Wilds, C. 1990. The dowitchers, pp. 68–75 in: K. Kaufman, ed. A
Literature Cited Field Guide to Advanced Birding. Houghton Mifflin, Boston.
American Ornithologists’Union [AOU]. 1957. Check-list of North Wilds, C., and M. Newlon. 1983. The identification of dowitchers.
American Birds, fifth edition. Lord Baltimore Press, Balti- Birding 15:151–166.
more. Zeranski, J.D., and T.R. Baptist. 1990. Connecticut Birds. University
Chandler, R.J. 1998. Dowitcher identification and ageing. British Press of New England, Hanover.

42 BIRDING • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006