I recently visited a swamp nearby. This bird landed on the power line. The picture isn't the greatest but I did notice the white band on the end of the tail feathers. Am I correct in thinking it is an Eastern Kingbird?
Jean ~ Taylorsville, Georgia
http://jean-livingsimple.blogspot.com/
Jean - - - I think you are right, but I am a bit troubled by the yellowish underside unless that is just the way the light makes it appear. But I also have no alternative. Maybe some of our other experienced birders will have other thoughts. Pretty good capture for what I sumise was a quick shot.
I have no vices - -Wine,Women and Song are necessities of life!
- - -Anonymous - - -
Hi Jean...
Kingbirds are bigger, stockier birds (think great crested flycatcher), that are very white underneath, with the white terminal band at the end of the tail. Your bird looks like a phoebe to me, after summer molt the undersides can be buffy or yellowish...however, is the white on your birds tail a trick of light and shadow?....I know of no bird like this with white in the middle of the underside of the tail.
And as you know photos sometimes show things that are not really there.
The white definitely looks like a light phenomenon. I think you got it.
Mark
Bastrop, TX
Doesn't look like the Eastern Kingbird's in my area, looks more like a Phoebe.
This bird was facing west and the sun was setting. That could be the reason for the yellow tint. However.... I did notice the white in the middle of the tail. This threw me a curve....as my Field Guide says nothing about this on an Eastern Phoebe or Kingbird. Recently I did have an EAPH visit and I have compared pictures. It just doesn't look like the same bird. It did look larger in size.
I do appreciate everyones input!
Jean, - - - I too noticed the white on the middle of tail and I could find no bird that fits the profile in my Field Guide. Possibly an abberation due to molting. And I agree with narnian on the birds physical appearance. So still a mystery bird to me.
Oldguy, Thanks for trying to research this bird. I guess one has to live with mystery birds ever so often.:)
Haven't read everyone's posts..........sorry. I think it's a Eastern Phoebe or something of the like.........
--Sunshine
"Birds are born to have wings; wings are symbols of freedom."
It's an Eastern Phoebe
http://www.nenature.com/EasternPhoebePhoto.htm
Easternkingbird, Thanks for the link. I am now convinced this bird is an Eastern Phoebe. I guess the white in the middle of the tail was just an variation.
I appreciate everyones help!
Reiman Publications: Corporate | Contact Us | Advertise with Us | About Us | Privacy Policy | Publication List
Taste of Home | Taste of Home’s Healthy Cooking | Taste of Home’s Simple & Delicious | Cooking for 2 | Birds & Blooms
Country Woman | Country | Farm & Ranch Living | Reminisce | The Family Handyman |
Country Store | World Wide Country Tours | Taste of Home Cooking Schools | Community Forums
© Reiman Media Group, Inc., 2010