It is this pale area that sets off the eye mask, the line of demarcation being quite distinct. On females and juveniles the entire area including the throat is a creamy colour but females do show a moustacial stripe and the hint of a submoustacial stripe. The line of demarcation with the grey of the head is less striking. The ear coverts are much paler than the rest of the head but do not have any stripes through the eye as is spme times illustrated. The black bill is strong and stout with the lower mandible being considerably lighter in colour blending in with the creamy colours of the throat or head.
Legs are a reddish colour and the eyes appear black .
My own observations would seem to indicate an earlier arrival and much later departure date than has been previously reported. Bahrain Mid October Mid February. Numbers build very quickly so that by early November the roost at Saar can contain over 500 individuals. A number confirmed by expat residents of nearby houses who although not birders have kept a constant watch. Numbers start to rapidly decline from Mid February however good numbers can still be found well into March.