skip to main content

What looks like a robin but not quite?

15 years ago

There was a small flock of birds eating the berries of bittersweet this morning. They looked like fat robins with orange-ish breasts but with some striping on the top of the head and an area of white underneath the tails. I've looked in all my bird books and can't find it. I'm in Massachusetts. Does anyone know what they could be?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

donald lucius
15 years ago
the first thing that comes to mind for me would be a female eastern towhee? you might try google or bing and see if thats right
birding_nut
15 years ago
What about Cedar Waxwings?

BN
Related Discussions
Big fat Robin 3 anyone see it what does it look like??
Q
Comments (1)
This post is old and over. thanks
...See More
What is this weed? Looks like fireweed, but not quite...
Q
Comments (2)
Thanks! I believe you're right. Looks exactly like it. Guess a pair of gloves and a few minutes will get rid of it. Not responsive to pre-em since it grows from the thatch, but I'll cut my grass a bit taller to help prevent recurrence.
...See More
new: look out! named poppy robin
Q
Comments (11)
Okay, everybody: I've received several excellent suggestions to improve this and get more people involved. (I've never hosted a robin before...I needed the tips!) Here are some changes: #1: You don't have to send 1/4 tsp. I know poppy seeds are tiny, but some of these unique ones are hard to come by and 1/4 tsp. is quite a lot. So, just try to send 20 seeds per variety you send. I'll try to work it out so that the amount you send in per pack is the amount you get back, just so that more people can play and everything's fair. Send in 20 'Lauren's Grape' seeds, (for example) and get 20 seeds of something (hopefully!) you're looking for. #2: Please list what you HAVE to offer, so people feel more comfortable in joining. I agree that going in blind isn't such a great idea, lol! Here's what I have to add to this swap: Lauren's Grape Drama Queen Burnt Orange Carneum Coral Chiffon Cyclops Danish Flag Danebrog Giganteum Hens & Chicks Lavender Peony Pink Peony poppy Red Peony poppy Persian Blue Persian White India White Oriental 'Scarlet' Hungarian Breadseed Tasmanian poppy Turkish large Iceland poppy 'gartford giants' Iceland poppy 'red sails' Double spanish 'tangerine gem' p. atlanticum- soft orange p. atlanticum- 'moroccan poppy' CA poppy 'mother of pearl' CA poppy 'tequila sunrise' CA poppy 'mission bells' CA poppy 'white linen' CA poppy 'thai silk mix' CA poppy 'purple gleam' CA poppy 'mikado' CA poppy 'gold rush' p. rhoeas - red p. rhoeas- orange picotee p. rhoeas- shirley double mix I hope this makes everybody feel better! I've done TONS of individual trades, and I know this can be a GREAT robin! I've got these people interested for sure: msbernard pattygrow5
...See More
What bird looks like a Robin?
Q
Comments (8)
Barn Swallows for sure. I responded to your other post; once Barn Swallows find a good place to nest, they tend to return. Generally taking down any existing nest will just have them build another. Is that a nest box? If so, you may have better luck removing that....but they probably will just build new.
...See More
glad2garden
Original Author
15 years ago
After looking at a bazillion pictures of robins, towhees and waxwings, I think they were robins after all! I never noticed that robins have a white area under the tail that can be seen when they are flying. Also I must have confused the white area around the eyes with what I thought were stripes on the head. Just now I went out and saw some robins, very healthy, chubby robins. Must have been them.
seaflea3
15 years ago
I had a similar experience about 2 weeks ago....a flock of what looked like Robins but not quite came into my yard a long with a flock of Cedar Waxwings! These 'robins' had a white ring around their eyes and white under the tail...and they were chubby too! I wondered if they were robins migrating....but they dont look quite like robins really!

Related Stories

UPHOLSTERY Fabric Focus: There's Nothing Quite Like Linen

By Karen Egly-Thompson

Classic, understated, durable and mildew-resistant, linen is a casual fabric fit for any home

LIGHTING Design Details: Quite the Light

By Shawn Gauthier

20 Ways to Light Up Your Home With Creativity and Surprise

COLOR Pick-a-Paint Help: How to Quit Procrastinating on Color Choice

By Laura Gaskill

If you're up to your ears in paint chips but no further to pinning down a hue, our new 3-part series is for you

HOME TECH Quit Playing Around With Your Game Console

Gaming systems can do so much more than just run games — they can streamline your home activities and improve your life

TURQUOISE Robin's Egg Blue — Oh, What a Hue!

By Kelly Porter

Breathtaking in its brightness or as soft as a sigh, robin's egg blue will make any room in your home soar

FURNITURE Objects of Desire: Recliners That Don’t Look Like Recliners

By Christine Tusher

Forget bulky, hulky eyesores. These 7 smart and svelte chairs — some without levers — have mastered the art of disguise

TOWNHOUSES Houzz Tour: Color and Light Transform a Brooklyn Townhouse

By Carol Crotta

Bright red and robin’s egg blue accents set off white walls and wood floors in this bright New York family home

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: ‘Downton Abbey’ Looks That Look Great Today

By The 2 Seasons

These modernized versions of high-society favorites will serve you well all around your own manse

DECORATING GUIDES 13 Ways to Give Your Home a Garden-Inspired Look

By Becky Harris

Outdoor elements like trellises, antique tools, slate and garden gates have a special place indoors

DECORATING GUIDES Brush Up on Paintable Wallpaper for a Posh Look

By Lisa Frederick

Customize your wall treatments the affordable way, with richly textured wallpaper painted any color you like

Sponsored