Two Subspecies of Short-billed Dowitchers at Hillman Marsh

hendersoni Short-billed Dowitcher in breeding plumage at Hillman Marsh on 18 May 2017. This subspecies is brightly coloured.

Three Videos - please click on links

hendersoni subspecies of Short-billed Dowitcher catches a leech at Hillman Marsh near Point Pelee on 18 May 2017

hendersoni Short-billed Dowitcher singing the song of the breeding grounds, and feeding on 18 May 2017

hendersoni and griseus feeding, then griseus (the less bright dowitcher) preens on 18 May 2017

hendersoni Short-billed Dowitcher in breeding plumage at Hillman Marsh on 18 May 2017

Probable griseus Short-billed Dowitcher at Hillman Marsh on 18 May 2017. It's barred on the flanks and heavily spotted across the neck, however it has only a wash of orange. Hillman Marsh on 18 May 2017. We also call griseus the Quebec Dowitcher because most of its breeding range is in Quebec.

Probable griseus Short-billed Dowitcher at Hillman Marsh on 18 May 2017. It's barred on the flanks and heavily spotted across the neck, however it has only a wash of orange. Hillman Marsh on 18 May 2017.

hendersoni Short-billed Dowitcher at Hillman Marsh on 18 May 2018

Front view of a hendersoni Short-billed Dowitcher showing how lightly spotted it is on the neck and front compared to griseus Short-billed Dowitcher and to Long-billed Dowitcher. Hillman Marsh on 18 May 2017.