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Hi Rodrigo
The differences are described in detail in Birds of the High Andes. This text is based on a large material as >1000 specimens were examined to define differences. All the species you mention are very similar in shape, including relative length of wing-tips and tail, but olivascens differ from the rest by a more arched culmen ridge of the bill, which forms a continuous curve with the crown; this species is also larger than the others, and luteola and raimondii smaller, and luteola has the smallest, rather stubby bill.
There is a large variation in plumage within each species, according to age, wear of the plumage and (especially in flaveola) subspecies. One of the few constant differences is the colour of the pale edges of the remiges (= the pale wing panel of primaries and secondaries). These are olive in olivascens, olive-yellow in flaveola, but pale brown in luteola and more greyish in raimondii. This holds true in all plumages. The orange colour on the face of flaveola is not prominent in all plumages (it can be covered by greyish feather-tips in fresh plumage, especially in subspecies koenigi and pelzelni; and is absent in juveniles) and luteola may also have a tinge of orange; thus this character is not reliable.
Best
Jon Fjeldså
From: Birdingperu@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Birdingperu@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Rodrigo
Sent: 8. juni 2009 19:54
To: Birdingperu@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Birdingperu] Field marks for Sicalis
Can some of you help with a couple of good field marks to separate S. flaveola from S. luteola, S. raimondii and S. olivascens?
If I see one (at least in Lima) I always imagine it's S. flaveola and the red face is my main physical characteristic to look for, but I know the they have brownish and greenish feather and that makes them too similar to the other.
Any help?
Rodrigo
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