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15

May
2008

One, two, three species?
 
Well - from the beginnings, when I started out with Photography Wading birds were and still are my favorite subject and I was puzzled by - what is called the white morph of the Great Blue Heron View definition in a new window. Clearly not an Albino - and what the distribution is concerned too pinpointed as to be just a freak of Nature. And today I run into the excellent Blog of David Sibley, who happens to be the author of Audobon’s Sibley’s Guide to Birds. And he dedicated a post to the question on what exactly is going on in the discussion around the Great Blue Heron. Not only gave me that some insight - I also discovered, that I had several photo’s of what is called the Wurdemann’s Heron in my Archive. I attributed the whiter color of that bird to the assumption of age, but obviously I was dead wrong. Looking closer reveals that there are quite noticeable differences. Aside from the whiter head and the overall more faded appearing coloration - the legs are paler and the breast area is almost pure white for the Wurdemann’s Heron, whereas the Great Blue Heron is speckled. So tacking a new variety to my Wading Bird collection - the question still is open: Different species? Subspecies? I tend to think of the latter as being the most reasonable assumption - overall these birds are too similar as to be sorted in different species. But they are also too different as to be called natures variations or morphs. But look for yourself! I compiled a gallery for you to get your own impression.

Related posts:

  1. Great White Egrets
  2. Great Blue Herons
  3. Why Am I (still) bird blogging?

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6 Nods for One, two, three species?

  1. 1
    Sandpiper MonsterID IconSandpiper proclaims:
    May 15th, 2008 at 7:14 pm

    Hi Klaus! An interesting post with some great pictures! When I was down in the Glades I took pictures of what was considered (at the time) a Great Blue Heron, White Phase. I’ve not heard of Wurdemann’s before. Very interesting and thank you for the links. It should be an interesting read.
    Lin

    Sandpiper’s last blog post..Return to Hammonasset 1

    [Reply to this comment!]
  2. 2
    June MonsterID IconJune proclaims:
    May 15th, 2008 at 7:33 pm

    This is new to me too. I’ll keep a closer look now. Great pics as usual.

    June’s last blog post..Florida Fires

    [Reply to this comment!]
  3. 3
    John T. MonsterID IconJohn T. proclaims:
    May 16th, 2008 at 7:14 am

    Interesting post and very infomative, I wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.

    John T.’s last blog post..Sweet White Violet….

    [Reply to this comment!]
  4. 4
    yvonne k MonsterID Iconyvonne k proclaims:
    May 16th, 2008 at 7:53 am

    I say you should do the photography for his next book..LOL I am far away from ID’ing any bird
    so sorry I cannot be any help with your question, unless his birds are indigenous to a different
    locale?

    [Reply to this comment!]
  5. 5
    Mybirdtales MonsterID IconMybirdtales proclaims:
    May 16th, 2008 at 9:12 am

    I had no idea this debate existed…never heard of the Hurdman’s Heron. You have some outstanding images there! Interesting post, as well. Thanks!

    Mybirdtales’s last blog post..My ’star’ pupil..

    [Reply to this comment!]
  6. 6
    Janice McCafferty MonsterID IconJanice McCafferty proclaims:
    May 16th, 2008 at 8:14 pm

    Hi Klaus, its interesting that you brought up the Wurdemann’s Heron-I was just reading about it. From that article, I understand they are not calling that anymore but just Great Blue and a color morph-can’t keep up with it! Is that particular one in Homosassa State Park? They have one with a bad wing there. Great article and photographs.
    Janice

    [Reply to this comment!]