We're interested in the frequency of occurrence and the origin of this morph - actually a type of a light morph with specific coloration (distinct dark crown and white cheeks, dark moustache, red-brown breast-band and rufous upper part - see photo). It seems to be a very rare morph. In our region (Vladimir region, Russia) we've been observing it only since December 2024. Where could it come from, are there any locations where it's common?
Dear Anzhelina,
I photographed a very similar individual in January 2019 in Northern Serbia. It was the first and only time I have observed such interestingly coloured individual. You can find the photo attached.
Best regards,
Draženko
Dear Draženko,
thank you so much for your reply! We have found only one photo of such morph in literature, it was observed in Westphalia (Fowlie, 2003). And less likely but seemingly close - observed in Netherlands (Kappers, 2020). Seems not that easy to contact the authors or some of their colleagues, but we still hope to trace the origin of this morph and find some relatives of “our” individual :)
We are very glad to receive your reply! Thanks again!