3 more Yellowstone birds

[Catbob]

Appreciate the help on the last 3, here's 3 more birds from Yellowstone N.P. taken in early June.

IMG_6652 by James J, on Flickr

IMG_6756 by James J, on Flickr

IMG_6786 by James J, on Flickr

[Sean C]

1: Clay-colored Sparrow

2: Ruby-crowned Kinglet?

3: Common Goldeneye I think

Edited July 20, 2019 by Sean C

[akandula]

The first one is a Brewer's Sparrow because it is not as bright and buffy and contrasty as a Clay-colored. 

The second is an Empidonax flycatcher, maybe Least?

The third one is definitely a Goldeneye female, I am also leaning towards Common.

Edited July 20, 2019 by akandula

[blackburnian]

Flycatcher has a lot of color. Maybe Cordilleran?

[Charlie Spencer]

20 hours ago, Sean C said:

2: Ruby-crowned Kinglet?

I do that a lot.  I have to learn what separates them.

[akandula]

12 minutes ago, Charlie Spencer said:

I do that a lot.  I have to learn what separates them.

There are a lot of behavior differences between kinglets and flycatchers. Kinglets usually are in a hunched over position, while flycatchers are usually in an upright position. Also, kinglets are in constant motion foraging, while flycatchers are usually waiting for their prey. Flycatchers often show their crest.

In plumage and shape, kinglets have a very short first wingbar, while this flycatcher has 2 prominent wingbars. Kinglets have slimmer, fully black bills. 

(When I am talking about kinglets, I am only talking about Ruby-crowned). Golden-crowned have a black mask.

After knowing these characteristics and having a lot of experience, it is not that hard to separate them! ?

Edited July 21, 2019 by akandula

[Charlie Spencer]

16 minutes ago, akandula said:

After knowing these characteristics and having a lot of experience, it is not that hard to separate them! ?

That's the big one.  I don't have much flycatcher experience.  I think Great-Cresteds, Eastern Kingbird, and Eastern Phoebe are all that are in central SC.