What happens to the white patterning on the Whinchat's tail when the bird is observed in motion?
Answer
White patches situated at the base of the outer tail feathers become apparent when the bird flicks its tail.
The tail pattern is considered one of the three critical identification markers for the Whinchat. The bird possesses white patches located specifically at the base of its outer tail feathers. These patches are not always visible when the bird is sitting still or has its tail closed. However, when the bird engages in typical tail movements, such as flicking or fanning the tail, these white markings become visible. This flashing effect serves as a helpful confirmatory feature, especially in situations where the bird is seen only fleetingly.
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