Mystery Bird: Verdin, Auriparus flaviceps

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[Mystery bird] Verdin, Auriparus flaviceps, photographed in Arizona. [I will identify this bird for you tomorrow]

Image: Richard Ditch, 2007 [larger view].

Date Time Original: 2007:05:04 08:14:06
Exposure Time: 1/639
F-Number: 8.00
ISO: 200

Please name at least one field mark that supports your identification.

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I think Black-chinned Sparrow because of the overall grey head and light bill. It doesn't look much like a sparrow, though.

By Eric Scholz (not verified) on 13 Jan 2009 #permalink

This bird is quite a challenge. I see a faint eye-ring and a yellow bill, this bird also has dark legs. I am going to say it is a juvenile Black Rosy-finch. Even as I type this I am still unsure. Great bird. I am excited to learn what this one is.

After realizing I did not look at the date of the picture, I see it is in May. Too early I bet for a fledged Black Rosy-finch. I am changing my answer to a young Verdin, based on the yellow pointy bill, and the overall plain grayness.

By Jenny Graevell (not verified) on 13 Jan 2009 #permalink

Tricksy picture.

@4 is correct, I think.

Young Black-Chinned Sparrow.

Conclusion reached by process of elimination...it's not a warbler, vireo, flycatcher, etc.

A Verdin perhaps...

I agree on Verdin. Method for identifying this bird: go to the Sibley's page on "Drab Gray Birds of the Arid Southwest" and look for the yellow bill (unless that's orange or green). Though Sibley shows a lot more of the dark color above and less of the bright color below.

I'm looking forward to finding out how to age it before knowing the species. (Maybe if I say that, I'll remember this time.)

By Jerry Friedman (not verified) on 19 Jan 2009 #permalink