I can just about tell a robin from a sparrowhawk, so get very confused with all the similarly coloured birds. I'm trying to identify a bird in my garden, and have (possibly!) narrowed it down to either a thrush (which one is another problem!) or a juvenile/female blackbird from the colouring and size. Can anyone tell me when a juvenile would gain its adult plumage and would juveniles be seen so long after the breeding season? If all juveniles have their adult plumage by this time of the year I can at least knock that possibility off the list!! Also, when does the male's beak turn yellow? There is another bird which MUST be a male blackbird, but it has a very dull brownish coloured beak. Another juvenile???
Hi Mopsy and welcome to the forum,
Juvenile male blackbirds look like a cross between a male and female only with a darker beak. The beak won't turn yellow until the spring so your bird could be one of last years youngsters. All the thrushes have distinct dark speckling to their breasts on a pale background that blackbirds don't.
Millie & Fly the Border Collies
Unknown said:I can just about tell a robin from a sparrowhawk, so get very confused with all the similarly coloured birds.
Hi Mopsy, and welcome to the forum.
When I started this game last May, I was told by an ill informed friend that all British birds are either little brown ones or bigger black ones. Looking at them in the garden from behind a window and without binoculars, she could be forgiven for believing this, but she is quite, quite mistaken. However, it is so hard and confusing to beginners, but this forum is the best place to be. My advice as one beginner to another is to have a camera with you at all times, any camera will do, and if you see any bird you can't put a name to, get a snap and post it to this forum. It is full of very wise and knowledgeable people always willing to help.
Cheers, Linda.
See my photos on Flickr
Hi Mopsy and welcome from me as well. You have already been given some very good advice and I would just emphasise, if in doubt photograph first and watch / make notes after!
The necessity of bird-watching is a really good reason for avoiding all forms of housework.
The dust will still be there tomorrow - the birds may not be!
Hello Mopsy, and welcome to the RSPB Forum.
A picture tells a 100 words ....over descriptions of birds
I agree with the pictures as it is the best thing for ID even if it is a basic picture of the bird.
Regards
Kathy and Dave
Hi Mopsy,
Welome to the forum. I see you have some good replys already ;)
Neil
If it aint broken, dont fix it !.... all good things come to those who wait !