meghann

Welcome to Whatbird! This is an Eastern Kingbird.

I am not sure, but I could see it being a dog.

I've always found it funny to get shots like this. It quite often makes them look angry Mad Kinglet by midgetinvasion, on Flickr

Correct!

Man, I could barely even SEE that yellow on my laptop. Phew! I need to study up on the Vireos more.

I agree with Warbling Vireo, with how plain it looks and no eyeline.

Yep. Being outside is better than not being outside!

It might be just me, but I can't seem to open the file.

Agreed. Most fledglings tend to not be as wary of humans as they should. The parents are probably nearby somewhere.

Yeah, I've had the same problem with my phone. I don't ID unless I'm on the laptop.

The bill is thin and bright yellow.

I can't comment on the bird's age, but it is indeed a Starling.

Actually, with that undertail pattern, I like Blue Jay here. It would explain the black neckband, too.

I think certain times of year that can be tricky, although in general the males are darker. So, if a bird seems pretty light, I feel safe assuming it's female.

After encountering a swallow I had trouble IDing, until Liam helped me out, I figured a thread of these guys would be cool. The mutation has always fascinated me. I searched for a topic like it, but didn't find one. So, if one already exists, apologies. My first melanistic bird, a Northern Rough-winged Swallow. (Which incidentally, Liam had a similar bird in the same location six years ago. Is it the same bird, or an offspring, or just a coincidence? We'll never know!)