A comparative photo of breeding plumage LBDO (left) and “Inland” (*hendersoni*) SBDO (right).

Features to look for, include:

**Scapulars & greater coverts**: In fresh breeding plumage, the LBDO has rufous-edged and white-tipped (white crescents) scapular and greater covert feathers. Two white “blobs” are on either side of the feather shaft, at the tip of the scapulars and greater coverts. The dark feather shaft comes to a point, creating a white crescent shape to these feathers. The SBDO has more uniform, orangish edging to the same feather tracts, lacking the rufous-edged & white crescent-tipped feathers of SBDO. The overall appearance to the upperside is more uniformly coloured, slightly brighter-backed to the eye with less contrast throughout.

**Flanks:** The LBDO has narrow bars, which are slightly crescent shaped, to the flanks. Usually heaviest near the shoulder. The bars are blackish with a white fringe in fresh breeding plumage. SBDO typically lack the heavily-barred appearance, along with the white fringing to the barring. SBDO are typically more spotted throughout the flanks.

**Underside**: The underside of breeding plumage LBDO is typically more reddish throughout than SBDO, which has more of an orangish colouration.

Photo taken in May 2023 at the Blenheim Sewage Lagoons.