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Posted by Jeff Weber on 08:36:53 02/08/05
In Reply to: Mystery bird @ Dump Marsh posted by Toe
From the description, it sounds like they could have been female Brown-Headed Cowbirds, though you may have already considered that notion and rejected it. Female cowbirds do have some breast streaking, but it is light and may not have been particularly noticeable.
JW
: Need help with ID of mystery bird at Dump Marsh. Have contacted a couple of folks, but not sure if anyone can make it out there soon. The bird in question (actually, there were two) I first saw Saturday ~11:00 am along the canal bank just south of the bridge leading to the water facility. They were calling from within the reeds on the west bank of the canal. I went back Sunday at 5:15 pm and relocated one of the birds in the first dead pine south of the bridge. It was being harassed by red-winged blackbirds. The birds are about 6 1/2" in length, dull tan/green in color, with a short flat bill and no streaking. The underside is lighter than the upperparts. I think I noticed a hint of darker brown on the top of the head and outer wings. They look like super-sized grassquits. They are bigger than a painted bunting but smaller than a blackbird. The call was quite distinct: a trill ending in a soft whistle. Actually an attractive call; it got my attentiion! I have no guess as to what they are. Could be an immature of something common, or perhaps a vagrant/escapee. Might be worth for someone who really knows their birds to check it out. If it's a false alarm, I apologize. But, you never know. I live nearby. If anyone plans to go out there and would like me to accompany them, please feel free to call my cell at 305-338-7392.
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