I'm certain they are young birds but can't quite come up with the identification.
I'm leaning towards a member of the black bird family ... perhaps cowbirds as there is brown coming through on the heads.
Lots of black wing feathers showing through.
What is your guess?
Sorry I cannot help identify your birds. I have never saw those before.They are marked so strange that one would certainly remember seeing them before.I am sure someone will know.
ReplyDeleteI think you are right, Linda. They look like cowbirds going through a molt. This would be the right time of year for it.
ReplyDeleteSorry Linda I can't help either but they are pretty.
ReplyDeleteI agree with hetty -- they look like they're molting...I've noticed our goldfinches are starting to look mighty scraggly, too. :)
ReplyDeleteThey are the right shape and size to be cowbirds. Peterson Field Guide said 'Young males in late summer molt; may be bizarrely patterned with tan and black'. Hope this helps. Take care.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking cowbirds molting, too. A lot of birds visiting my backyard seem to be in that state these days. One of the blue jays that drops by has lost the feathers on his head; he looks like something prehistoric...poor thing... :)
ReplyDeleteHi Linda,
ReplyDeleteIt's been a while! I've been on a blogging break most of the summer. I like your newest layout here...really nice. I don't recall ever seeing birds like this, here in VA. Hopefully one of your readers was able to identify it! Hope you've had a pleasant summer.