[out of region] Hoopoe query

I also observed a Hoopoe at LiJiang in Yunnan in China (flying over a
swamp so a distant view (and one in Hubei on the roof of a house and a
very easy close view). They are a bit variable. I can’t answer your
particular question. Yes bird watching in China is difficult. But I saw at
least several more raptors (species and individuals – than 2) I can send
you my list if you like.

Philip

On a recent trip in China*, in Yunnan I observed two Hoopoes. I have
photos of both and one has pure white wing bars and the other pale pink
(similar to the body colour).

I have consulted various sources but all seem a bit vague about whether
the bird with the pinker wing-bars would be a female or an immature.

I wonder if anyone with experience of this sp in southern China might care
to comment.

*unfortunately I didn’t see many birds on this trip as it was a touristy
type trip not a birding one, and southern China seems quite unbirdy (I
only saw two raptors the whole trip, I mean two individuals, one
black-shouldered kite and one black-faced kite =black kite).

John Leonard