Austin Texas USA Cardinal? (1 Viewer)

[Mr_K]

Hello.

Not a clear picture but it had a brownish head and reddish body.

In the backyard at.a feeder. Any ideas?

Thanks.

 

[nartreb]

Too blurry. Cardinal would be my first guess, but summer tanager is also a good possibility in Texas. Both species can be rather noisy, though not necessarily while feeding. Did you hear it sing?
Another way to tell them apart is by bill color. It's not clear in the photo, but perhaps you noticed it. It's bright red-orange in (adult) cardinals (and very thick, almost parrot-like); some shade of horn (grey/tan/pale dull yellow) in summer tanager.

 

[Mr_K]

Thanks for your answer. I will check online for more pics.

No, did not hear it sing.

 

[KC Foggin]

The head looked like a Cardinal.

 

[Mr_K]

I think you are right.

 

[Mr_K]

Yes, I checked online. I think it is a black headed cardinal. See:

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2018/08/15/PEVC/1232b28d-5bc3-471f-8854-c96daadeab9b-download.jpg?crop=1279,717,x0,y92&width=3200&height=1680&fit=bounds

Thank you.

 

[Lisa W]

The picture in your link shows a Northern Cardinal who has lost his head feather, probably due to mites.

 

[Mr_K]

Thanks.

 

[jmepler]

My first impression was Painted Bunting. From this angle there would no green visible, and there does seem to be a hint of blue on the head in the picture.

 

[Mr_K]

Hello,

I think it is a bald cardinal. Wish I had a better picture. Next time.

Thanks.