Searching for identification (1 Viewer)

Good morning to you all. I am trying to identify 2 new members to my feeders. I will assume that one is a female and the other her mate. I was sure that they were woodpeckers, but no identifications match their appearance. They are large birds, about 10 inches, much like the Red-headeds. The female is darkly marked by black and white mottling, rather than stripes or dots, as is the male, however he sports a brilliant read throat plate. They have white breasts, and black heads, and really sound like a woodpecker, don't they? However, they feed exclusively at my black sunflower feeder, and have white "parrot-like" beaks. Their heads are very round, rather than elogated. Both are very skittish, and I just cannot get a good picture of them with my digital. Since they have been here for over a month, I will assume that they are not just passing through. Thanks for any help, or directions to resources.

Carol

Carol,
The male sounds like a good match for a Rose-breasted Grosbeak. The second sounds like it could be an immature male RBGB. Check out this photo of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak and let us know?

greatest thanks

Dave B Smith said:

Carol,
The male sounds like a good match for a Rose-breasted Grosbeak. The second sounds like it could be an immature male RBGB. Check out this photo of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak and let us know?

Click to expand...

I have never even heard of a grosbeak in this area, much less seen one, but that is exactly what it is!!! I wonder what it is doing up here, but am thrilled to have it (them). It just goes to show how wrong we can all be when we think we know!!! Thank you for responding. I went on a grosbeak search, and find that I also have several females, too! However, one black and white, I guess male, does not have the scarlet breast plate. It is not a juvenile, as the pictures indicate, so who knows? I am just elated to have the real scoop.

Hello Carol and on behalf of the staff here at BirdForum.net, a warm welcome to you.

I'm so glad your mystery is solved and I hope you come back and spend some time with us. Enjoy!