I've looked for two hours

[Guest]

What are subbies?

dick

[iluvbirds]

Hi Dick, "Subbies" (SY "Second Year") are the subadult martins that have spent only one winter in South America....

[Glen Webb Jr]

Subbies are the 1 year olds that were born during the previous nesting season. When they return the following spring and summer months, there is often a lot of confusion over which birds are adult females and which are subadult males and subadult females. Subbie males look a lot like adult females except on that grayish-white patch from their throat all the way down to their tails there will be purplish feathers scattered throughout. It is during their second stay in Brazil that subbies molt into their adult plumage.

[Guest]

Thanks all ,kinda thought that might be the case but just wasn't a 100 % with it

dick

[Mary Dawnsong]

Subbie males are fun to ID because their pattern of purple is so random and unpredictable. Some look exactly like females except for a few purple feathers on the chin. Others have huge blotches of purple and look very mottled on their underside. Some can be strikingly handsome and others homely, all dependent on the pattern of their purple feathers.

This is the darkest subbie male I've ever seen in my colony (I need a better zoom!). I actually mailed this photo to PMCA a few years ago so they could confirm he was a subbie before I reported him on the scout page.

For anyone new to the forum...
Here's the PMCA Scout Report Page, click on your state to see individual sightings:
http://www.purplemartin.org/scoutreport/

[Louise Chambers]

Dick,

Have you checked out the Martin FAQ? The first couple of Q & A explain SY and other martin terms - it's a good section to read. Also browse through the Archives if you haven't done that yet - lots of good info there also. One more way to look for info from posts/threads is to use the search feature, though that can take more time. The PMCA's Home page has sections on martin biology, ID, terminology, management, & lots more. Hopefully between all that, we haven't left anything out. But one of the neat things about martin conservation is that new ideas and management tools are developed every season. Keep reading and good luck this season.

Louise

[Guest]

My binocs don't lend them self to that close of inspection. I have a 6 - 20 power variable scope on my deer rifle that i think I'll remove tonight and see what I can see with that. I'll bet I will be able to see thier eye color.

dick

[Guest]

Louise,I have read so much in the last few days I'm dreaming birds LOL

dick

[Mary Dawnsong]

Good binoculars certainly make the hobby more enjoyable. A high-powered scope is great, too, if you have the time to set it up and the patience to continually refocus on your targets -and- if you have good tripod.