Mystery visitor. I.D. help, please.

[RVT1K]

I can't say that I've ever noticed this one before and I don't know what it is. But today its been around a bunch, eating from the suet basket and eating the fallen suet form the ground.

 

[480sparky73 72]

Gray catbird.

 

[K9Kirk]

I searched and searched and came up with nothing, pretty bird though, whatever it is. Nice catch.

 

[RowdyRay]

Blue-gray tanager.

That doesn't look right neither. Hmmm.

 

[RVT1K]

Gray catbird.

I think we have a winner.

Thanks.

 

[K9Kirk]

I'd say it's close but no cigar. This bird is more purplish than blue with a dark purple patch on it's head and dark purple tail feathers, with no blue on the wings or anywhere. I haven't seen a 'description' nor picture of a blue-gray Tanager that looks anything like that bird. I believe the jury is still out.

 

[480sparky73 72]

I'd say it's close but no cigar. This bird is more purplish than blue with a dark purple patch on it's head and dark purple tail feathers, with no blue on the wings or anywhere. I haven't seen a 'description' nor picture of a blue-gray Tanager that looks anything like that bird. I believe the jury is still out.

Sorry... I've already smoked it. I'd wager a buck that the orange on the rear end clinches it. Take a look for yourself.

grey catbird - Google Search

 

[RVT1K]

I'd say it's close but no cigar. This bird is more purplish than blue with a dark purple patch on it's head and dark purple tail feathers, with no blue on the wings or anywhere. I haven't seen a 'description' nor picture of a blue-gray Tanager that looks anything like that bird. I believe the jury is still out.

Sorry... I've already smoked it. I'd wager a buck that the orange on the rear end clinches it. Take a look for yourself.

grey catbird - Google Search

There is also this resource:

Gray Catbird Identification, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology

I believe Mr. Sparky is correct.

 

[RVT1K]

I'd say it's close but no cigar. This bird is more purplish than blue with a dark purple patch on it's head and dark purple tail feathers, with no blue on the wings or anywhere. I haven't seen a 'description' nor picture of a blue-gray Tanager that looks anything like that bird. I believe the jury is still out.

There are often regional variations in bird's coloring and the coloring can also change as a bird matures.

 

[K9Kirk]

I was searching for blue-gray tanager, not gray catbird. I thought catbird was a joke and dismissed it, lol! I'll go with the gray catbird 100%.

 

[Dean_Gretsch]

It's most definitely a catbird. They are one of our most common birds here.