Birders need help identifying this bird

Topaz Farm · #1 02/16/10, 08:58 AM

I have never seen this bird, and can't find it in my bird book. It is a little larger than a goldfinch, has white wing bars, black head and back and a rufus colored chest. It looks like a cross between a goldfinch and towee.

I found a pic of one that is similiar, but not it.

Similiar Bird

ksfarmer · #2 02/16/10, 09:09 AM

Could it be one of the oriols such as these? Pictures would help immensly.

http://www.enature.com/fieldguides/d...=&curPageNum=6
or
http://www.enature.com/fieldguides/d...&curPageNum=14

Topaz Farm · #3 02/16/10, 09:44 AM

Thank you, Farmer. The bird didn't stay around long enough for me to get my camera.

I do believe you found it, Orchard Oriole. I should be in my book, I must have over looked it.

Thanks again.

Topaz Farm · #4 02/19/10, 08:45 AM

It isn't an Orchard Oriole. I got a better look this morning, it is an Eastern Towhee.

PNP Katahdins · #5 02/19/10, 12:36 PM

Formerly known as a rufous-sided towhee, which got split recently. I've seen them in SW Wisconsin. Very attractive bird.

Peg

Txsteader · #6 02/19/10, 03:23 PM

How cool!

We've been enjoying large flocks of Cedar Waxwings that have made an unusual appearance this year. They're such sweet, friendly birds.

Topaz Farm · #7 02/19/10, 03:56 PM

We get Waxwings here on occasion. They are so pretty. Right now we have a zillion Goldfinches.

Mostly we get sparrows, finches, titmouses, juncos. redbird, bluejays, just the ordinary birds.

Every once in awhile we well get ONE bluebird, and ONE painted bunting. And his isn't every year.

We do have the Rufus Towhees, but this is the first Eastern Towhee that I have seen here. Again it is ONE.