At first I thought it was a molting Scarlet Tanager but the cream-colored edging of the tertials, or the black beak, do not fit any picture or description that I could find. I'd love to hear your comments.
Thanks for stopping by.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Mystery Bird at Herrick's Cove, VT
This morning I birded Herricks Cove looking for warblers. I came across this bird and am not sure what to make of it. It's a large crop - so the photos are a bit fuzzy.
At first I thought it was a molting Scarlet Tanager but the cream-colored edging of the tertials, or the black beak, do not fit any picture or description that I could find. I'd love to hear your comments.
Thanks for stopping by.
At first I thought it was a molting Scarlet Tanager but the cream-colored edging of the tertials, or the black beak, do not fit any picture or description that I could find. I'd love to hear your comments.
Thanks for stopping by.
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I'm thinking Orchard Oriole.
ReplyDeleteTwo Scarlet Tanagers were in the same vicinity, both with female or basic plumage with pale peaks. I am posting these photos for comparison.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.onejackdaw.com/Scarlet_Tanager_E_2855.jpg
http://www.onejackdaw.com/Scarlet_Tanager_E_2858.jpg
the rumps on your mystery birds are much more orange. but i wonder if it's just a variation, maybe they ate a lot of dark berries??? otherwise they look like scarlet tanagers.
ReplyDeleteNot an Oriole!
ReplyDeleteBill is way too heavy, and shows a slight hook.
I think it is a Scarlet Tanager - probably a first fall male, judging by the light tertial edges.
I am wondering whether the dark beak and the prominent white on the tertials are caused by a mutation in a color gene.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone suggested maybe a Bullock's and/or Bullock's x Baltimore?
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a tanager. Aside from the bill, the head is too huge for an oriole. Tanager doesn't have to show a giant head, but it can:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.briansmallphoto.com/photo/scta2.jpg
Even better:
ReplyDeletehttp://thejeffway.com/zzScarletTanager5D.jpg
Thank you all for your comments. Robin, the bill of an oriole is much sharper, more pointed. The consensus seems to be that this is indeed Scarlet Tanager, most likely a particularly colorful first fall male. Also many STs do have black beaks. I greatly appreciate everyone's input, including those who sent me emails. It's been fun!
ReplyDeletePhotography has made such a difference in this type of ID. At one time we probably would have had to just let it go without an idea.
ReplyDelete