Long-tailed bird in the brush in Livermore, California

[Mark F]

Seen today by a vineyard in Livermore, California (east of the Bay area). It hopped about skittishly between the dry grass and the lower branches of a small tree, but didn't fly away. Mind you, I didn't try to get too close. Many thanks in advance.

Long-tailed bird 2 by Mark Featherstone, on Flickr

Long-tailed bird by Mark Featherstone, on Flickr

[Charlie Spencer]

Ditto.

[Mark F]

Oh gosh. I was sure it was *not* a Northern Mockingbird. I thought the tail was way too long. ? Thanks!

[Charlie Spencer]

The streaky breast says juvenile; it be molting into adult plumage, possibly tail feathers first?

Edited July 7, 2018 by Charlie Spencer

[Mark F]

Ah, I see. Many thanks for the explanation. 

[Mark F]

Photos reposted with corrected titles.

Northern Mockingbird, juvenile by Mark Featherstone, on Flickr

Northern Mockingbird, juvenile by Mark Featherstone, on Flickr

 

[HamRHead]

Just curious, are both photos of the same bird? The tail on the second bird appears to be longer as do the legs.

[HamRHead]

4 minutes ago, Mike_56 said:

I think its only angle second picture taken .

Yeah, that could be it.  And the left wing seems to be missing the primary feathers on both photos, so likely the same bird. Edit: Maybe it can't fly.

Edited July 8, 2018 by HamRHead

[Mark F]

43 minutes ago, HamRHead said:

Just curious, are both photos of the same bird? The tail on the second bird appears to be longer as do the legs.

Yes, it’s the same bird. 

[HamRHead]

49 minutes ago, Mike_56 said:

They can fly ,like this one i take picture -can fly but steel feed by mom

Northern Mockingbird,baby by Mike, on Flickr

It probably has to give it full right rudder peddle to go straight. 

[Mark F]

Beautiful photo, Mike_56! What lens were you using, and how close were you? 

[Mark F]

12 hours ago, Mike_56 said:

Thanks ,its Tamron 100-400 VC  -camera Nikon D7500 -distance i don't remember exactly -but think about 25-30ft

Thanks!