Identify bird northern Illinois seen 04/02 & 03/2020

[mdawn]

I saw a bird larger than a robin, but smaller than a crow perched vertically at the top of a tree which had upright branches. It did not perch like a woodpecker. The bird had a fan-shaped tail. I could not seethe head nor wings. The bird was in the shadows, but was dark and I could see no other markings. 

The song was Tweet-tweet-shrill and repeated after a short wait. Another of the same bird nearby responded and they traded calls for may be 2 minutes until the bird flew off. I saw a similar bird the next day, same time early evening, not yet sunset, same tree, same song/call. 

I have never seen nor heard this bird before, nor again, since then.

I have listened to bird songs on the SongSearch app and Audobon web pages, with no luck.

Thank you,

MDawn

[Jefferson Shank]

Sounds like a  Red-winged Blackbird.

[mdawn]

I listened to the red-winged blackbird song and it’s similar, but not exactly what I heard. This bird the first two notes were very distinct, separate and more musical.

Edited April 8, 2020 by mdawn
Left out word

[Jefferson Shank]

Brown-headed Cowbird?

[Charlie Spencer]

Common Grackle?  https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Grackle/sounds

And here's JShank's cowbird: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Brown-headed_Cowbird/sounds

[mdawn]

I checked out Common Grackle and Cowbird and the songs were not a match. Thanks for your suggestions.  I'll keep searching.

I do have questions for you, could this be a bird not common to this area, but migrating north?

[Jefferson Shank]

 

The song was Tweet-tweet-shrill and repeated after a short wait.

@mdawn, what do you mean by "shrill"?

[mdawn]

Hello Jefferson Shank,

I'm not sure of the correct term. The first two sounds were one-note distinct, but same, tones. the last part was a melodic singing, warble might be the correct term. Maybe 5 seconds long. Not at all shrill, though I used that word. 

MDawn

Edited April 10, 2020 by mdawn
misspelled word

[The Bird Nuts]

Likely a Song Sparrow.  Their calls are quite variable, but you might be able to find a similar song.

Edited April 10, 2020 by The Bird Nuts

[Jefferson Shank]

 

Song Sparrow

That's what came to my mind right away too.

[mdawn]

Sorry to take so long to reply. I think this bird was bigger than a sparrow. I could only see the tail and back part of body. The tail was fan-shaped and edge was almost a half-circle. It was the distinctive call that caught my attention. In all my years of watching birds, I had never heard the call before. It was note-note-trill. Very melodic. the tail was approximately 3 inches long and 3 inches wide. I only saw and heard the bird two days in a row. I'm wondering if it was migrating.

Another of the same species answered the call until the bird I was watching flew off.

Edited April 20, 2020 by mdawn
Added a sentence

[Jefferson Shank]

Eastern Towhee?

[insanityslave]

On 4/7/2020 at 8:44 PM, Jefferson Shank said:

Sounds like a  Red-winged Blackbird.

that was my first thought too.

red-wingeds can make a lot of different noises. if it sounded "similar, but not exactly" @mdawn, id say its a good possibility.  the 'shrill' is a good indicator too.