Dowitchers - Short or Longbilled?

[amendegw]

I've been studying my references and the differences are so subtle, I'm befuddled. Can I get some help here?

Bombay Hook NWR, Smyrna, Delaware, USA, 07-10-2021

Thanks in advance!
...Jerry

[RobinHood]

According to Sibley the Short-billed with worn breeding plumage has dark spots on the side of its breast like yours whereas Long-billed has dark bars or streaks.

I'm not sure how conclusive this is although I saw a similar one a few days ago that had been reviewed and accepted as Short-billed.

[Seanbirds]

1 hour ago, RobinHood said:

According to Sibley the Short-billed with worn breeding plumage has dark spots on the side of its breast like yours whereas Long-billed has dark bars or streaks.

I'm not sure how conclusive this is although I saw a similar one a few days ago that had been reviewed and accepted as Short-billed.

Looks like Short-billed to me.

[Tony Leukering]

Underwing pattern in dowitchers — subalpinebirding

[DLecy]

These are Short-billed Dowitchers. While voice is the best ID feature, you got a nice photo of the underwing pattern on the bottom right hand bird. The lesser coverts on the underwing are barred, whereas they are white on LBDO. These are presumably all SBDO.

EDIT: Tony beat me to it.

Edited July 13, 2021 by DLecy

[amendegw]

Short-billed it is! Thanks everyone. You guys/gals are great!

...Jerry

[Charlie Spencer]

That's one magnificent photo.