Subject: [Tweeters] REPLY TO: June 29 What's this? -- mystery bird
Date: Jun 30 17:10:27 2009
From: groovy joker - groovyjoker at gmail.com


Could these be stray Bullock's Orioles? They search for nesting areas in the
western U.S. and Mexico in June and July (right time of year). You mention
orange - that is a good color for a summer oriole. You mention the size of a
robin...yes, orioles are a tad larger. You mention the crest - although not
as conspicuous as the waxwing, the Bullock does have a nice black cap. They
are insect eaters, and will flycatch. They also travel in groups. The song
is described as " a short series of nasal whistled notes ".
What I am not clear about is the yellow band. Bullock Oriole's have
orange/yellow tail feathers - The male does have a yellow rump, and his tail
is described as: "Rump orange-yellow to yellow. Middle tail feather black,
the rest yellow, tipped with dusky or black."

See pictures:
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bullocks_Oriole/id

Liz Ellis
Shelton, WA

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GroovyJoker at gmail.com
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