Sounds like an EASTERN TOWHEE MALE!
Joan of Art and Nature Carr , South Williamson, KY PIKE CO.
peared to be a ground feeder, scratching leaves and debris away and pecking
toward the dirt. It was not interested in the bird feeder full of black oil
sunflower seeds, or the 2 suet cakes hanging near by. This bird had a
predominately black back, rusty red belly, white markings on his wings while on
the ground similar to the red bands of a red winged black bird and the tail was
black on the upper surface but I could see white tail feathers beneath that
would be more visible if the tail were flared out. I would guess it's size as
comparable to a cardinal. Trees here are Poplar, Oak, Dogwood, Redbud, Cedar,
and many others that I as a non native to the area can not identify. Low scrub
mixed with 70 footers.
We live in Ashcamp, Ky. about a mile as the crow flies from the Virginia
border. Our property is vertical and wooded and Elkhorn Creek runs through the
valley below. We have a busy bird feeder crowd as I keep it stocked all year
round and I keep at least 1 peanut/oat/corn suet block out all year as well, so
this bird was probably drawn to the activity. We are forecast to have nights in
the single digits this coming week so we will keep a look out. This is the
first time we have seen this one. Thank you for your quick response, Doug &
Gerry Jones
