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Just from the black and white tail I'd be inclined to suggest Eastern Towhee, but that doesn't exactly match with everything else. Did you notice any other features like beak shape, leg color, etc?
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Both are Carolina Wrens. Different variations on their "teakettle teakettle teakettle" song. I'm currently in PA and there's plenty here, I'd assume that NJ is similar. I think they're relatively common throughout the east.
Thanks! Just curious - I've recently been interested in RTHA x RLHA hybrids. Since this bird does have a substantial dark tail tip, is this a possibility? I also think the beak looks a bit small for Red-tailed, the angle is tough though.
Looks pretty good for a Harlan's Red-tailed Hawk (possibly light morph?). Lack of a white base to the tail rules out Rough-legged Hawk.
EDIT: Just checked eBird reports, Harlan's would be quite rare. I'm not sure what else this could be.