Hello from central Arkansas! (1 Viewer)

[Texas Chic]

My interest in joining this website is to find out if anyone can help me identify a most interesting bird that landed on our dock last Friday. We live on a small lake in the midst of a forest, so we get a fair number of birds to watch. Usually they are easily identified, but this one was very unusual: All black from the back, about 9 inches tall and 3 1/2 inches across, it actually looked like a black kitten from the back. I called to my husband to come and look, and just at that moment it flew away. Then I saw the white front, with a solid black horirzontal stripe across the body. It all happened so fast, but I stand by my statement that it looked like a kitten on its haunches from the back.-- a broad body form that went from head to bottom. Any insights are welcome!

 

[Kits]

Welcome to Birdforum. I hope you enjoy your visits.

 

[delia todd]

Hi Texas Chic and a warm welcome from all the Staff and Moderators.

I've moved your post to the ID forum, as they're probably best able to help you.

I'm sure you will enjoy it here and I look forward to hearing your news.

 

[Texas Chic]

Thanks.

 

[KC Foggin]

Hi there TC and a warm welcome to you from Myrtle Beach.
We're glad you found us and please join in wherever you like

 

[Lisa W]

Hi, welcome to the forum. I think you will find us a friendly and helpful group. Sorry, can’t help with an ID.

 

[rbroadwell]

take a look at a Belted Kingfisher, would fit for a dock area

 

[KenM]

take a look at a Belted Kingfisher, would fit for a dock area

Agreed, but not the colour though?

Cheers

 

[THE_FERN]

Agreed, but not the colour though?

Cheers

Probably an artifact of the ambient light. I'm sure it's possible for the colours on a belted kingfisher to look black in the right conditions

 

[KenM]

Probably an artifact of the ambient light. I'm sure it's possible for the colours on a belted kingfisher to look black in the right conditions

Yes, where would we be without artefact.😊

 

[qwerty5]

I think Belted Kingfisher as well. I can't think of any other bird that is a better match.