This photo was taken 2-23-14 in Fukuoka, Japan. I would venture to guess it may be a Pallas's reed bunting because of the more pronounced throat patch. It is a rare winter visitor to Japan, but it could be a reed bunting which is much more common.
Thank you for any help you can give me, Kawasemi
Hi Kawasemi - it looks a very good candidate for Pallas's Reed Bunting. The throat patch isn't so useful, but the very grey mantle is a clear pointer to Pallas's, where Common Reed Bunting is brown. Do you have any other photos showing the back better, or with a clearer view of the bill? (Pallas's has a smaller bill than Common).
From the maps in my books, the southwest of Japan (facing Korea) is where the species winters most commonly, so you have a better chance of getting them in the Fukuoka area than anywhere else in Japan.
Resin
Hi Resin, Excuse me for this late reply, and thank you so much for the interesting diagnosis. I did take a few more photos, and judging from what you said, the brownish gray underparts point more towards Pallas's. What's your take on the wing coverts? Perhaps the photos are not sharp enough to get a clear idea of the bill size, I'm afraid, but hopefully you can feel more confident in identifying the bird now.
Kawasemi
Thanks! Yep, I'm convinced on Pallas's Reed Bunting now. The grey coverts are good proof (rusty on Common Reed)
One I'd like to see over here (there's only been two or three ever in Britain!)
Resin
That's good to hear. Was concerned photos wouldn't be clear enough. I hope one wanders your way some day. Thanks so much!
Kawasemi
