Rfalconcam Forum

I'm hoping some of the bird ID experts can help me with a little bird that I saw at the feeders today.  It was about the same size as a Downy Woodpecker but plumper.  The bill was black and thin.  It had a slate black head and back and a ruddy collar and upper chest.  The "tummy" was a buffy color.  It looked like a bluebird except it wasn't blue.  The day was overcast and I wondered if the lack of sunlight could explain the lack of blue color.  Could this be a female bluebird in her winter clothing?  Thanks in advance for any help with the ID. 
Vanda

Cornell says the female bluebird has a greyish brown head & back, but blue on the wings & tail. 

Cornell ID page (http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eastern_Bluebird/id)

Pictures are toward the bottom...

I have a question as well.  I didn't have my camera with me.  At my bird feeder, I had a small bird that was the size of a chickadee.  It had a verrrrryyy long beak.  Belly was whitish and there was a rusty tinge on one part of it.  The bird flew from my tree to the feeder three times (it was waiting for me to go away, I think).

I have no idea what it was.  At first, I wondered if it was a hummingbird because of the beak but it was too large and there wouldn't be hummingbirds at my feeder.  Then I wondered if it was a very tiny woodpecker.  I have no idea and can't remember where I put my bird book. It's probably where my birth certificate which also is missing in action :D

Jeanne - don't you just hate it when that happens?   :laugh:

Jeanne,  Your visitor may be a Red-breasted Nuthatch.  Did it look anything like this ?

Dana, 

The bird seemed to have more white.  Of course he didn't come by the feeder again today while I was watching!!  My guess would be a nuthatch.  I have a ton of chickadees that are around as well