Yellow under-belly

sylvelle · Joined: 19 Mar 2008 Posts: 21

Does anyone know what this bird is? No pic of course, no song either, it is mundane looking with a dark head and maybe black tail feathers. It may be young because it seems to be testing out the whole flying thing. It flies short distance usually returning to the starting point.
It has a yellow under wing as well, but isn't marked like a flicker.
It is a lovely bird but I cannot find him in my books.

Tricia

Jim B · Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2010 2:38 am Post subject:

Size? compared to sparrow? pigeon?

I need a bit more info to narrow it down.

Wrong time of year for most birds to be "young"
_________________

sylvelle · Joined: 19 Mar 2008 Posts: 21

Jim B · Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2010 12:52 am Post subject:

OK, my first guess - Eastern Phoebe They can seem to fly erratically, bobbing along, dark head and tail, light yellow underparts and so on.

One thing to be aware of this time of year is a lot of birds that have white on them may appear quite yellow if they have been into trees and bushes with heavy pollen.
_________________

sylvelle · Joined: 19 Mar 2008 Posts: 21

Thanks Jim, I thought the picture I have in my book looked a bit like Say's Phoebe. It has a range in California anyway. The color on its belly is bright yellow, the chest is a bit paler.
I've never seen a phoebe before.. Pretty little thing, but a bit flaky.

Thanks again
Tricia

Jim B · Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2010 2:39 am Post subject:

Phoebes are like that. The ones we get bob their tails constantly. They seem a bit obsessive / compulsive.

Why did I think you were in the east?
_________________

sylvelle · Joined: 19 Mar 2008 Posts: 21

I guess I haven't been around much for quite awhile.
You just forgot :>)
Thanks again,
Tricia