Cute bird

[imkakkingmad1]

Just observed a bird I've never seen before. He was very small, with a speckled chest, very small beak and very yellow tailfeathers on the underside (that's what really caught my eye!). I think he/she's migrating cuz I've never seen or heard anything like it, but boy, was it cute! It was waiting to get into the birdbath cuz the sparrows were hogging it. Once he got in, he had a great time, bathing and chirping. I couldn't find him in my bird books, may have been a female due to the mottled colors (maybe a little bit of a gray cap too on its head? - not sure about that). I love this time of year, with the different sounds in the backyard and woods due to the migrating birds! 

Helen P.

[Bobbie Ireland]

Just observed a bird I've never seen before. He was very small, with a speckled chest, very small beak and very yellow tailfeathers on the underside (that's what really caught my eye!). I think he/she's migrating cuz I've never seen or heard anything like it, but boy, was it cute! It was waiting to get into the birdbath cuz the sparrows were hogging it. Once he got in, he had a great time, bathing and chirping. I couldn't find him in my bird books, may have been a female due to the mottled colors (maybe a little bit of a gray cap too on its head? - not sure about that). I love this time of year, with the different sounds in the backyard and woods due to the migrating birds! 

Helen P.

Wow, Helen! I will look forward to hearing what it could be...

[Dumpsterkitty]

Just observed a bird I've never seen before. He was very small, with a speckled chest, very small beak and very yellow tailfeathers on the underside (that's what really caught my eye!). I think he/she's migrating cuz I've never seen or heard anything like it, but boy, was it cute! It was waiting to get into the birdbath cuz the sparrows were hogging it. Once he got in, he had a great time, bathing and chirping. I couldn't find him in my bird books, may have been a female due to the mottled colors (maybe a little bit of a gray cap too on its head? - not sure about that). I love this time of year, with the different sounds in the backyard and woods due to the migrating birds!  

Helen P.

First one that comes to mind is a Pine Siskin-they have yellow edges on their wings & under the tail...


photo by Tom Munson at Idaho Fish & Game

I've had them in my yard & although I wouldn't call the under-tail very yellow, the edges of the wings & the bit of yellow on the tail can really catch your eye & look like it's more extensive than it is...

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pine_Siskin/id

[imkakkingmad1]

Yes - that's what it was - thank you! After you suggested it, I "Yahoo-ed" more photos and it sure is him/her. He was little and cute!

[Dumpsterkitty]

 Glad I could help!