more on eye flecks

[John Chardine]

In one of the earlier posts to this forum, we discussed the issue of eye flecks in Oystercatchers:

http://www.birdphotographers.net/for...ad.php?t=15001

It turns out that females tend to have them and males don't and this trait can be used to sex birds. See this paper:

http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/j...88545/abstract

I've been in the UK for the past 10 days and have had the opportunity to photograph Wood Pigeons. I've seen 1000s of them over the years but did not realise until now that they too have eye flecks (see image). I wonder if this is related to sex? Does anyone have other species that show these flecks.

In case you are wondering, flecks are dark areas in the coloured part of the eye and in Oystercatchers and Wood Pigeons at least touch the pupil and look very much like part of the pupil (maybe they are in Wood Pigeons?)

[Beth Goffe]

John, that's really interesting information and will add to the experience when I'm out watching these guys. It's nice to know the sex of the bird, if that's possible. Thanks!

[John Chardine]

I won't give up on this thread!

Ramón Casares posted a really fine image of a Picui Ground Dove recently. It shows a similar eye fleck to the Wood Pigeon.

http://www.birdphotographers.net/for...ad.php?t=20439