Sleek Red Bird

[Kendi]

This bird only came to my yard a couple times that I know of. Very red,  very sleek with a dove like stature. Appeared to be a ground feeder because I never saw it hit the feeders. I do not have a pic, i'm sorry. But if you can give me some ideas based on this info, I can try to look it up again on this site. TIA

[Kevin]

Welcome to Whatbird!

@Kendi Where are you located?

[The Bird Nuts]

Welcome!  Do you remember it's beak shape and color?  Did it walk or hop?  What are you feeding?

[Kendi]

Thx all. I'm in SW Missouri. We feed Pennington wild bird feed and this bird was feeding on the ground, so no, I did not see his/her beak. I just noticed how very sleek and stately the bird was, and put me in  mind of the mourning dove but not as plump.

 

[Melierax]

Was it a Northern Cardinal? 

[The Bird Nuts]

If it was all bright red I believe you only have two options - Northern Cardinal or Summer Tanager.  I don't think Summer Tanagers feed on the ground much, especially below feeders, so I think Northern Cardinal is the only option.  Remember that birds can puff up or flatten their feathers and raise and lower their crests depending on how they feel.  So a bird could look plump and fluffy in the winter (or when it's ill) and sleek and thin in the summer.

Here are some Northern Cardinal photos:

https://search.macaulaylibrary.org/catalog?taxonCode=norcar&mediaType=Photo&sort=rating_desc

Edited September 7, 2019 by The Bird Nuts

[The Bird Nuts]

I forgot another option which is an escaped pet bird, but, of course, that is not likely.

[Kendi]

Not a Northern Cardinal, but I did look at Summer Tanger again and I think that nails it. I do recall now seeing it on the feeder a couple of times, but if the feeder was empty, it must have gone to ground looking for food. Lord, I have five feeders and two suet feeders. Thanks!!