skip to main content

Unable to identify unusual bird

15 years ago

We live in central Indiana. Early this evening, a bird flew into our barn while we had it opened up. At first glance I thought it was a female cardinal, it was about that general size and shape. The bird was hard to see in the shadows of the barn and it would not perch for more than a second or two in one spot, but constantly fluttered back and forth. We spent some time trying to shoo it outside and even left the barn for awhile, but no luck. The bird refused to fly low enough to go out one of the open doors. After chasing it for awhile, we realized that it was not a cardinal, and after hunting though my birding reference material and searching online, we still have no idea what it is.

It was too dark in the barn to get a good photo. The bird is about the size and color of a female cardinal. It has a cardinal-like beak and a crested head, but the tail is longer than a cardinal's...more like a brown thrasher. There are distinctive light colored patches across the middle of the wings. My husband tried to take video of the bird but the barn was so dark that the video is grainy. Here it is on his You Tube channel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRbS1kAKTS0

We finally had to close up the barn for the night with the bird still trapped inside. Does anyone recognize this bird?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

alan_la
15 years ago
Maybe a Pyrrhuloxia, it's in the Cardinal family.
bandjzmom
15 years ago
Maybe it's a leucistic Cardinal?
Related Discussions
An unusual visitor.
Q
Comments (3)
Can't imagine how such a tiny bird survives your usual winters, much less this one. Even here at 36 degrees high today I saw birds almost doubled in size due to puffing out their feathers for better insulation. They do have pretty good protection from wind and rain in the big Magnolias and Cedars...do you have large evergreen trees nearby? josh
...See More
Unusual behaviour of japanese beetles on blue spruce
Q
Comments (13)
There are plenty of folks with extensive education that are unable to solve life problems or lead people. They cripple under the pressure. Some of the smartest people I know don't have degrees. Anyhow someone answered your question on your previous post. When JB mate they congregate on the west side of plants....doesn't matter what they are. Feeding is a different story. So mystery solved. No one sprayed your spruce for cripes sake, lol. Bayer Multi Insect Spray will kill them (adult beetles) on contact. They may not drop dead instantly but they will die pretty kick. I just had to spray my Cupressina spruces. They were loaded with ants, a sure sign of aphids. Sure enough those buggers where everywhere. I don't spray willy nilly but I do when I need too. I do have admit the whole hit the spruce with a broom and catch them with a sheet was a silly suggestion for a plant with razor sharp needles. http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/pests/msg0612304310652.html?4
...See More
Unusual behaviour of japanese beetles
Q
Comments (4)
It is IMPOSSIBLE to collect all JB using a beat sheet or dumping into soapy water. If someone placed JB trap on the border with your yard and wind blows towards your garden, then Japanese beetle can be on your yard. JB can fly as far as 2 miles. So, what goes around comes around. Here is link http://insects.about.com/od/insectpests/f/japanese-beetle-traps.htm According to my research, "You want the beetles to leave your yard, not come flying in by the thousands. You are better served by a Japanese beetle trap if you present it to your neighbors as a gift. Let them hang it in their backyard, so your beetles move to their garden. Or, you've got to hold a neighborhood meeting and convince everyone to hang beetle traps, to stop the migration from yard to yard." Some insecticides/pesticides work on JB and oriental beetles. I've noticed dead oriental and Japanese beetles around my blue spruce after I used Sevin. However, Sevin can kill beneficial insects as well. Therefore, I want only RATIONAL and EFFICIENT response. Personally, I believe my own eyes, facts, research, and recommendations of professional or experienced people. I operate by logic NOT by emotions.
...See More
NEW: 6th Annual 'Rare, Unusual, Named Variety' Seed Exchange
Q
Comments (145)
Hi Sandy, I was so excited to find my package waiting for me when I returned home from work yesterday. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!! I can't tell you how pleased and happy I am with the seeds you sent me - you really did a fantastic job! All your time and hard work is very much appreciated. Matching up seeds to all of our "want" lists had to have been a tedious job and a lot of work! You deserve a big pat on the back! Thanks also to RBRADY and MNWSGAL who sent seeds in marked for me!!! : ) Again...thanks a million Sandy - I love everything and can't wait to get them going! : ) Smiles : ) - Lisa
...See More
TomatoLover
Original Author
15 years ago
Pyrrhuloxia came up in our online search, but according to the info, we are not anywhere near its range and the markings of our bird are not quite right. The patches on the wings are almost orange.

A leucistic Cardinal is a possibility, although the tail seems a little long for a cardinal. There are probably a lot of variations on the markings of these, so that could be it.

It was still frantically fluttering around the barn this morning when we opened it up. Hopefully the bird will make its way out today.

Thanks for the ideas!
deanie13
15 years ago
Try a search of a juvenile blue grosbeak. Not all pics will show the crest, but I have seen them raise a crest when upset/excited (lots of birds do this) as your bird was. They do resemble a cardinal in profile, and the juvenile males are brownish with the orange wing bars beginnng to show. Plus you are at the northern edge of its range.

Related Stories

GARDENING FOR BIRDS Backyard Birds: Meet Some Clever and Curious Jays

By Habitat Network

Boisterous jays provide plenty of backyard bird-watching in winter. Here’s how to identify all the varieties and welcome them into your yard

LANDSCAPE DESIGN How Low Can Hedges Go? Discover Unusual Garden Borders

Short enough to step over, high enough to be a stretch ... check out these radically different hedge styles and tell us your opinion

GARDENING GUIDES 13 North American Backyard Birds to Know

By Annie Thornton

Find out about these enchanting native species and learn how to attract them to your yard

DECLUTTERING Escape the Inheritance Trap: What to Do With Sentimental Pieces

By Glamour Nest

Too meaningful to toss but too hideous, precious or unusual to display? These ideas can help

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Artistry and Illusion Season a Baton Rouge Townhouse

A Louisiana family home blends 19th-century style with contemporary bravado

GARDENING GUIDES How to Find the Right Native Plants for Your Yard

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Find plant maps, sale sites and guides that make going native in the garden easier than ever

GARDENING GUIDES Mistletoe Is Coming to Town

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

The sight of this mistletoe may not always bring about festive feelings, but for U.S. Southwest gardeners, it’s not all bad

LIFE 10 Things Night Owls Know to Be True

Love being up while the world slumbers? Prefer a really late bedtime to an early night? These observations on night owl life may ring true

INSPIRING GARDENS Inside Houzz: A Waterfront Property Ditches the Grass for a Garden

By Annie Thornton

New drought-tolerant plantings and outdoor gathering spaces help this California backyard take in the view without wasting space or water

FALL GARDENING 7 Reasons Not to Clean Up Your Fall Garden

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Before you pluck and rake, consider wildlife, the health of your plants and your own right to relax

Sponsored

More Discussions

ID OWL IN S.E. MICHIGAN z5b

0