Griseus Subspecies of the Short-billed Dowitcher in Markham, Ontario

Eastern subspecies of the Short-billed Dowitcher (nominate griseus) in breeding plumage with two Semipalmated Plovers. This subspecies breeds mainly in Quebec and is much less frequent in Ontario than the inland subspecies hendersoni, which migrates through southern Ontario in good numbers. Reesor Pond in Markham on 19 May 2015.

Compared to the brighter hendersoni with its extensive cinnamon colour below, the cinnamon on griseus is paler and confined to the neck and chest. The Sibley and National Geographic guides illustrate these two subspecies. Reesor Pond in Markham on 19 May 2015.

Griseus subspecies of the Short-billed Dowitcher showing  the prehensile tip to the bill, which is used for probing in the mud for invertebrates, worms and more. Reesor Pond in Markham on 19 May 2015.