Short-billed Dowitcher Variation

The hendersoni subspecies of Short-billed Dowitcher in breeding plumage is brightly coloured. Leamington subdivision wetland on 11 May 2016

Two Videos: Short-billed Dowitchers feeding near Point Pelee and Short-billed Dowitcher feeding near Point Pelee on 13 May 2016

Short-billed Dowitcher in full breeding plumage, hendersoni subspecies, same as above, lightly spotted across the neck. Leamington subdivision wetland on 11 May 2016.

Another Short-billed Dowitcher in breeding plumage with some unmolted wing coverts, hendersoni subspecies, lightly spotted across the neck. Leamington subdivision wetland on 13 May 2016

Another Short-billed Dowitcher in breeding plumage, hendersoni subspecies, with very lightly marked flanks and very lightly spotted across the neck. Leamington subdivision wetland on 13 May 2016

Two Short-billed Dowitchers in breeding plumage, hendersoni subspecies, showing variation in marks on flanks and side of chest. Leamington subdivision wetland on 13 May 2016

This Short-billed Dowitcher in breeding plumage is less brightly coloured. Compared to the other hendersoni Short-billed Dowitchers, it is more heavily marked on the sides of the belly, breast, and neck, and is more heavily spotted across the neck. This suggests it's a griseus Short-billed  Dowitcher, which breeds in Quebec and Labrador. Leamington subdivision wetland on 13 May 2016

Links

Point Pelee Area Spring Shorebirds Highlights Page 1

Point Pelee Area Spring Shorebirds - page 2

Long-billed Dowitcher Identification