Drewesque Posted April 22, 2019 Share Posted April 22, 2019 Taken in East Texas (Tyler) yesterday. I apologize about the photo quality etc., etc.... (will spare you the story about why they are so bad). I have limited experience observing both species. Did not get a good look at this one, but then dismissed it as an Indigo Bunting when I saw several Indigo Buntings around the feeders this morning. However, looking back at this picture, it appears this one may have rufous wingbars and a larger beak than the Indigo's i observed this morning. Enough here to say for sure one way or the other? Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akiley Posted April 22, 2019 Share Posted April 22, 2019 Indigo Bunting. It's not a full breeding plumage male so there are some brown feathers. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Spencer Posted April 23, 2019 Share Posted April 23, 2019 I agree with @akiley. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skull Guy Posted April 23, 2019 Share Posted April 23, 2019 I actually think this is a blue grosbeak - the bill is very large compared to a bunting. Also the reddish wings fit grosbeak perfectly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sugar Land Posted April 23, 2019 Share Posted April 23, 2019 I agree with Skull guy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin Posted April 23, 2019 Share Posted April 23, 2019 Anther for Indigo Bunting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jabird Posted April 23, 2019 Share Posted April 23, 2019 Another for grosbeak. Want to see where this goes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Spencer Posted April 23, 2019 Share Posted April 23, 2019 In comparison to the feeders, I think the bird is too small for a BLGR. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Bird Nuts Posted April 23, 2019 Share Posted April 23, 2019 (edited) It's not bulky enough for a grosbeak either. Another for Indigo Bunting. Edited April 23, 2019 by The Bird Nuts 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skull Guy Posted April 24, 2019 Share Posted April 24, 2019 The bill is the key ID feature here - it is just too large for a bunting. The top of the bill matches smoothly with the slope of the forehead. On a bunting, there is a noticeable notch between the top of the bill and the forehead. Also referencing size and bulkiness - the average bunting is 4.9 inches tall. Average grosbeak is 5.9 inches tall. I don't think we can tell a 1 inch difference from these pics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Spencer Posted April 24, 2019 Share Posted April 24, 2019 I’d agree regarding the size if we didn’t have the feeder tubes to compare. Those tubes are commonly 2” in diameter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin Posted April 24, 2019 Share Posted April 24, 2019 All my guides books say that there is a two inch difference (4.9) and (7). Also I can not see the notch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kerri Posted April 24, 2019 Share Posted April 24, 2019 Another for Indigo Bunting for 2 reasons (just my observations)- 1) I do not see a very distinct wing bar that the Blue Grosbeak should have. I looked over a lot of photos, in every stage the wingbars are very distinct and 2) I could not find one photo of a Blue Grosbeak that shows them with the turquoise feathering even during transition stages Just my 2 cents :) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin Posted April 24, 2019 Share Posted April 24, 2019 40 minutes ago, Charlie Spencer said: Those tubes are commonly 2” in diameter. If this is right that makes that bird about 5" inches tall not seven inches. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
birdbrain22 Posted April 24, 2019 Share Posted April 24, 2019 (edited) Head, body and bill size are not correct for Blue Grosbeak... I am all in for Indigo Bunting here. Edited April 24, 2019 by birdbrain22 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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