We are participating in a Cornell U. citizen science project of tracking bird migrations and over-wintering spots. Today three of these birds came to our feeder, and we "think" they are either a subspecies of dark-eyed junco, or a phoebe, but the coloration is wrong for both of these. Can anyone help us identify them? The birds are about 6" long and have a notched tail. There is a small white dot under its chin. Here are a couple of photos: ( photo / image / picture from marlingardener's Garden ) ( photo / image / picture from marlingardener's Garden ) We are bumfuzzled!
Well, I sure can't but I sure could grab him and give him a great big hug and kiss......He is so cute....I guess he wouldn't appreciate me doing that but I would love it.
I find this an interesting query. it is always interesting to me when the subject is one with which I am not at all familiar. You say that you guys are thinking in terms of phoebe and junco. I find the the bird's bill in the pics that you have displayed is way too thick to be either junco or phoebe. Further, the pics of junco's show a sizeable white patch on the lower breast (abdomen almost). You know, it is possible that it is a different variety of junco or phoebe...but the ones that I see on the internet do not really resemble this bird. That bill looks more like a finch's bill...you know, thickish near the head. I know of one blackish finch, the Melanospiza richardsoni...but in Texas, it would mean that this bird would be quite off course. I also see in some of the pics that the maxillary bill is a bit more "humped" near the head than what your bird appears to have. It probably is not this bird, but it shows that one can think in other directions when seeking an identification. I shall be following this thread closely in hopes of learning something.
There is a bird called the Tiaris bicolor. I have found at least one foto that somewhat resembles your bird. Have a look: http://www.birds-of-north-america.net/b ... squit.html
I'll agree with Sjoerd. I think the bird may be a bit off course but still within possibilities. That might be an interesting statistic for your bird count. I wonder if any more will show up in the final tally. Jerry
My first thought: a brown headed cowbird. female w/winter plumage. I saw a male in a site with a notched tail much like the one in your photo.http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Brown-headed_Cowbird/id
Carolyn, that's it! We have seen lots of brown-headed cowbirds, but no females in winter plumage. Thank you, and Cornell thanks you, too!
S, the picture is deceiving in the "size" of the bird, there is nothing to compare it to. When Jane mentioned it was 6" and I keep an eagle eye out for these birds since I detest them.....it wasn't a hard search for a comparison picture. The male is very distinctive, but the female is incredibly drab.
