Afternoon,
Not much to go on, I know. But the photo and video were taken in the last few days (I believe) by friends.
Location: rooftop terrace above a hilltop Tuscan town.
Normal to see there this time of year: the odd tit, Blue Rock Thrush, Choughs, and about 2,000 Common Swifts (which you can hear in the background of the video).
Any thoughts anyone?
All the best -
Dave
Dave - CH said:Not much to go on, I know.
You're not wrong there, Dave.
It seems to have a thick heavy bill which reminds me of a lark (Short-toed?) or a bunting (Corn). Not somewhere I would expect to see either of those species. Apart from that - not a clue. Sorry.
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Regards,Tony
My Flickr Photostream
In reply to TeeJay:
TeeJay said:You're not wrong there, Dave.
A rare occurrence...
We also wondered about larks and buntings. But yes, a roofscape doesn't really suggest that does it.
We live in hope that someone will come along and say, "Well of course, it's a..."
In reply to Mr. B:
Mr. B said:Calandra Lark IMO
Thank you Mr. B!
I'll run that by the local breeding atlas verifier, and come back with his opinion.
Best regards -
So, the video and photos have now done the rounds in Tuscany.
The consensus is no to a Calandra Lark unfortunately. It seems that breeding sites are all very well known, and highly localized.
But, no consensus on what it might be.
I say "it", although I hear that there are now two. Our friends are trying for better video/photos.
In reply to rspbailey:
rspbailey said:European Roller?
Not one of the candidate birds from our Tuscan buddies, but an interesting call RSPBailey. And we've seen Rollers a matter of a few miles away, but down on the plain in their more usual territory.
Fingers crossed for better snaps, eh?
(And bet it turns out to be a flycatcher...) (in fancy dress.)