myatery bird (1 Viewer)

[mike davidson]

HI All

I had a good weekend around Dorset . Friday night saw us [two owls group] at Holt Heath not far from where I live . We had the churring of Nightjars, with some eventually flying and also 'roding' Woodcocks . A .lifer for me .
However I did see a stange bird on the main road before the walk . It was partidge size , perhaps a little more dumpy , all black with green around the eyes .Any suggestion ?
Sunday , we were at Radipole and I managed to see Bearded Tits , long sought after by me . A good weekend

Mike D in Dorset

 

[coaltit]

I have been trying to think of something funny to say regarding your post but that description baffles me when down to partridge size pheasants can look dark with green or similar around the eyes but certainly not a common bird to see outdoors, sounds quite a Interesting bird to see.

 

[Nutcracker]

My guess would be a Pheasant poult

 

[stevethehydra]

You might get more response in the Bird ID forum. My suggestion would be a "tenebrosus" type Common Pheasant - maybe a young/not fully grown one (though I don't know what they look like in juvenile plumage), or maybe the size was misjudged. There might be some escaped exotics that would also fit, but I think they would be less likely. Scroll down a bit here to see photos of "tenebrosus" pheasants: http://gobirding.eu/Photos/Pheasant.php

 

[mike davidson]

thanks for this . Could well be . I did go back several times but no sign of the bird . I also wonder whether it was a common black hen , as there is farm not far away

Mike D

You might get more response in the Bird ID forum. My suggestion would be a "tenebrosus" type Common Pheasant - maybe a young/not fully grown one (though I don't know what they look like in juvenile plumage), or maybe the size was misjudged. There might be some escaped exotics that would also fit, but I think they would be less likely. Scroll down a bit here to see photos of "tenebrosus" pheasants: http://gobirding.eu/Photos/Pheasant.php