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Both species of dowitchers assume a bright rusty-red plumage when breeding (usually seen in California only in the spring). Most of these flying birds are in winter plumage. In flight, dowitchers can be recognized by their long, straight bills, plump bodies, and the distinctive white patch on the rump and lower back -- clearly visible in the two pictures at upper right. Most of the photos were taken at the Bolsa Chica wetlands in coastal Orange County, California; some were taken at the nearby Newport Back Bay. Click here or here for more pictures of dowtichers in both breeding and winter plumage. |
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