Backyard birds, Southern Minnesota (1 Viewer)

[GracieAllen]

I captured this bird near a feeder. It's small and has a beak like a grosbeak, but it's all brown. Doesn't look like any of the sparrows I usually see. I can't find anything like it in my online searches.

 

[Sangahyando]

I'd say Brown-headed Cowbird.

 

[nartreb]

Try searching for "brown-headed cowbird, immature"

 

[GracieAllen]

The immature ones start with move varied color on the belly, but if the spots fade this could certainly be one. The beak looks right. Thanks.

 

[KC Foggin]

I'm leaning towards Brown-headed Cowbird.

Hi there Gracie and a warm welcome to you from those of us on staff here at BirdForum
We're glad you found us and please join in wherever you like.

 

[GracieAllen]

Thanks. I'm a photographer, so I periodically end up with birds I can't identify. I'm good with cardinal and blue jay! And MAYBE goldfinch!

I've been looking for a bird identifier that runs on an actual COMPUTER since I don't take images of birds with a cell phone, and haven't found much, so I'll probably be back to rely on the skills y'all have!

 

[KC Foggin]

Thanks. I'm a photographer, so I periodically end up with birds I can't identify. I'm good with cardinal and blue jay! And MAYBE goldfinch!

I've been looking for a bird identifier that runs on an actual COMPUTER since I don't take images of birds with a cell phone, and haven't found much, so I'll probably be back to rely on the skills y'all have!

You better

 

[benoitjh]

Thanks. I'm a photographer, so I periodically end up with birds I can't identify. I'm good with cardinal and blue jay! And MAYBE goldfinch!

I've been looking for a bird identifier that runs on an actual COMPUTER since I don't take images of birds with a cell phone, and haven't found much, so I'll probably be back to rely on the skills y'all have!

You can use the Merlin Bird ID - 'Photo ID' function by simply aiming it at your computer screen and using that screen image for the id. Works very well most of the time.

 

[GracieAllen]

Interesting idea. I never thought of taking a picture of the screen....

I put this bird on the screen. Captured it with the cell phone. Merlin says it's a crow. OR a vulture. I think it's a grackle. BUT, it did see the other bird as a brown headed cowbird.

 

[KC Foggin]

Interesting idea. I never thought of taking a picture of the screen....

I put this bird on the screen. Captured it with the cell phone. Merlin says it's a crow. OR a vulture. I think it's a grackle. BUT, it did see the other bird as a brown headed cowbird.

I'm with you Gracie. I think it's a juvie Grackle.

 

[GracieAllen]

I just liked the glare! Grackle with a serious attitude!