I do not agree that this is European Starling which is covered with spots..
Posted by Richard Ditch on July 15, 2012 at 12:47 PM
I do not agree that this is European Starling which is covered with spots..
Starlings have many distinct plumages as can be seen in any decent field guide:
1. fall birds are heavily spotted
2. winter birds are still spotted but the spots are much smaller due to feather wear
3. breeding birds have lost most of the spots on the belly but retain them on the back
4. juvenile birds are grayish brown, somewhat streaked, with a brown beak. And no spots
Personally, I'd like to see the beak of this bird in profile to make sure it is not an immature Brown-headed Cowbird.
Discussion
4 repliesAs for the ID, female of one of the Sturnidae; my guess the European Starling.
Again wonderful action shot!
Starlings have many distinct plumages as can be seen in any decent field guide:
1. fall birds are heavily spotted
2. winter birds are still spotted but the spots are much smaller due to feather wear
3. breeding birds have lost most of the spots on the belly but retain them on the back
4. juvenile birds are grayish brown, somewhat streaked, with a brown beak. And no spots
Personally, I'd like to see the beak of this bird in profile to make sure it is not an immature Brown-headed Cowbird.