50 shades of beige

Continuing the non-descript colours theme from my last post, the Siberian Chiffchaff has featured on this blog before, along with a summary of the heated debate which rages about the ability of the tristis sub-species to be identified safely on field views and/or call by those of us without a DNA testing lab. The debate took a twist recently when a Chiffchaff ringed at Portland Bill, which looked like a tristis, and which proved to be genetically the same as a tristis when tested by someone with a DNA testing lab, called like a normal collybita Chiffchaff. I have attempted to summarise the complex and subtle scientific debate which ensued below in non-technical terms as it's quite difficult to keep up with, best read as a follow-up from my earlier post:

Expert 2: Nah nah nah, told you so.
Expert 1: That proves nothing.
Expert 2: See that Chiffchaff poo that was DNA tested? That's your dad that is.
Expert 1: Is not.

Anyway, some photos below of what I suppose I should call a 'presumed' Siberian Chiffchaff as it remained stubbornly silent, despite me humming my full repertoire of Siberian folk songs to make it feel at home.

Siberian Chiffchaff, Portland Castle

The bird looking very grey and white in side profile

The same bird looking a bit more olive toned in lower light - it spent some time feeding on the ground

A nice view in the open

And finally a 'normal' Chiffchaff taken in the same place for comparison