Mystery Bird: Bell's Vireo, Vireo bellii

Sigh. Is this another fledgling? I'm having a really hard time even getting started.

Plumage-wise, I could believe this is a Bell's Vireo, but I can't make the beak work; it's too long for the "small bill" noted by Sibley, and there's no sign at all of that vireo hook at the end.

I could see that beak on an Empidonax flycatcher, but this bird's head shape and posture are all wrong for that.

Which leaves me with... what? A wood warbler of some kind? I guess I'm going to say it is a first-year female American Redstart. The hint of wingbars on this bird don't make much sense with that ID, and I'm not seeing the yellow in the tail that Sibley says I should see. And the beak still doesn't look quite right, which again, makes me wonder if this is a very young bird who hasn't really grown into its beak yet. But the redstart is as close as anything else I can find, and I'd rather say something than just punt altogether.

But the truth is, I'm pretty much stumped. Again.

The first thing I thought was Wren--but, which one?? It was one I had not ever seen before. Upon closer examination it looks like the bird has a partial eye ring, obviously a long tail, light wing bar suggesting a possible Bell's Vireo. Never seen one of these guys--yet will look for them while I am in AZ.

Lot's of challenge lately, which is really a great way to learn. I see a long tail, a hint of bristles around the flycatcher beak and a very pale blush of yellow on the belly. The tertials are wtithout sharp contrasts. My guess is an Ash-throated Flycatcher.

Well, it's an Empidonax Flycatcher, which means any ID from there is a guess, 'cause it ain't gonna sing. I wouldn't even attempt a guess, except this is a game.

I'd guess either the Gray or the Dusky Flycatcher...I flipped a quarter, Dusky it is.

Bell's Vireo

I am going to go with Brown-crested Flycatcher by the gray breast, rusty tail feathers, slight yellow tinge to belly and lack of any distinguishing crest to separate from Ash-throated and Dusky-capped. Dusky-capped should have a much darker top to the head and Ash-throated should show more rufous in the wing. But then again, if this is a juvenile or recently fledged bird, I could be all wrong! LOL.