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The Kitchen Table

I would love to know what kind of bird this is!

14 years ago

Good afternoon everyone,

I know that there is a bird watching section here in GW, but I know that many of you folks are fellow watchers. I have had this little guy visiting for the last couple of weeks. He is the size of a smaller robin. I would really love to know what he is. I am from Iowa, and I have never seen anything like him. I thought maybe a female cardinal, but it just doesn't quite fit.

I hope that I posted this correctly.

Thanks for any ideas!

MonaRae

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Comments (8)

hayjud_mn
14 years ago
It looks like a young tanager, probably summer tanager.
monarae_gw
Original Author
14 years ago
Thank you so much! I took a look at other pics, and I think that you are right! I live in Northern Iowa, and it appears that he may be a bit out his normal range. What a treat! I will have to see what he likes to eat, to help him stick around. He does seem to like the grape jelly I have out for the orioles.

Thanks again!

MonaRae
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hayjud_mn
14 years ago
Wow! Northern Iowa is really out of his range! I hope it is able to stay for a while. My book doesn't help with what they eat. Watch for the parents, the male should be very bright.
jel48
14 years ago
I don't think a summer tanager... Cornell's website say they are totally red and also they seem to range further south. I'm thinking maybe a young male scarlet tanager. What a very very cool bird. You are so lucky MonaRae. I hope he sticks around a long while for you!
maybee_gw
14 years ago
Looks like a female Cardinal to me
lynn_d
14 years ago
I don't think it is a cardinal, but it could be a juvenile scarlet tanager, or a red finch.
rthummer
14 years ago
I dunno~~~ But he shore it purty to me!!! Wow, pretty bird!
nancylouise5me
14 years ago
Checked my Audubon bird book. Looks like a immature or molting Scarlet Tanager. (doesn't have the bright red and black color yet. Their range- South Manitoba east to Maine and South to East Oklahoma and West to North Carolina.

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