Birds at Feeder: Blue Tail and Wings, Sharp Head, Mottled Chest


Feeder in Raleigh, NC

Have researched for the past week but cannot identify this bird pair. Looking for help. Thanks.

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Sep 03, 2016
 I saw one too !! NEW
by: Anonymous

Thanks for posting a pic. I just saw one yesterday in the woods, on the ground, in Barnegat, NJ. Thought I was seeing things. Looked like a song sparrow with blue tipped wings and tail. Also trying to identify. I hope someone can.
Aug 29, 2016
 What type of bird?
by: Tami

I just had about 6 of them come to my fountain here in Audubon PA outside of Philadelphia. I've never seen this type of bird before and cannot find any info on them. The image here looks like them. What area they? They were very cool looking!
Jul 30, 2016
 What is is??
by: RobinK

I have just seen 5 similar birds...kid of traveling with cardinals, too. And they were late like Robins...but "slimmer". Definitely not juveniles. Had BRIGHT blue wing tips and tails...rest of whole bodies were mottled light and dark in a design ...like flickers have a design. I think the wings were forked. They played in water in a crunches hot tub....and left....gorgeous! No photos that I can find anywhere ...Kansas City area.
Jul 27, 2016
 Juvenile Bluebird
by: Georgia Transplant from Oklahoma

Just captured a picture of a juvenile Eastern Blue Jay, which is what led me here. Eastern Blue Jays are larger than the ones in Oklahoma. The picture of the Juvenile Blue Jay I captured, as I have captured several, also, of Indigo Buntings and Blue Grosbeaks, is much larger in size in comparison of the two above-mentioned. I am not able to see any pictures in these comments, but would like to, if there is a way. Side note: Indigo Buntings and Blue Grosbeaks are not easy to tell apart except for a few distinct differences. Hope everyone has a great day. Happy bird watching! Casey
Jul 23, 2016
 A Surprise Answer
by: Marie

I saw three gorgeous identical birds yesterday taking a bath in our birdbath. All three were gray (spotted) with beautiful blue tails and blue wings. After extensive internet searching yesterday and today, I finally learned on "A Home For Wild Birds" site that they were Juvenile Eastern Blue Birds. Thanks to Steve in Georgia.
Jul 19, 2016
 Wrong last year
by: Dave in Gainesville

Didn't think they were Bluebirds last year, but this year I have more Bluebirds than I have ever seen.
Jul 18, 2016
 PS to 7/18 comment
by: Anonymous

My partner reports clearly seeing that the wings were blue also.
Jul 18, 2016
 blue tailed bird
by: Anonymous

we saw this bird on a feeder about 7 AM 7/18/16. the bird was approximately the size of a titmouse, it was light brown across shoulders and wings and seemed to have indistinct streaking, the breast and abdomen were lighter. the shocker was that this bird had a long bright solid blue tail, made up of a small number of long blue tail feathers. the eye was small and dark with no stripe or ring, the beak was slender. had my partner not seen it also I would have doubted my vision
Jul 11, 2016
 Indpls
by: Barb brown

This is for Steve in Georgia. While I respect your education level I must point out these were NOT tiny birds as you suggest. These birds were 3-4 times the size of a bluebird. Never heard of a shrinking bluebird.
Jul 11, 2016
 Immature Bluebird
by: Anonymous

I observed one of these on Saturday, and found this site and the picture above. I then went to the 'allaboutbirds.org', and they had a photo of an immature Bluebird. This is what I believe to have seen.
Apr 11, 2016
 Eastern Bluebird
by: Carla

While this so called eastern bluebird is bigger than what I call a bluebird it makes it's self small enough to fit into my blue bird house.

It's pretty. but I was hopping for the typical little bluebird. ;o)
Aug 24, 2015
 Juvenile?
by: Anonymous

Juvenile blue bird only if they are born big and get smaller as they mature. Never heard of anything like that before.
Aug 24, 2015
 Blue tailed birds
by: Dave in Gainesville Ga.

I agree,too large to be bluebirds
Aug 23, 2015
 Unidentfied Flying Object
by: Clara Chapman

We had several of these birds bathing in the sprinklers today. Redbird were bathing also and the unidentified birds were larger than the Cardinals. We live in Quinlan TX and Bluebirds are common at our feeders, these are not Bluebirds.
Aug 20, 2015
 Thank you, Steve!
by: Barbara

I sent a request for identification to Georgia Ornithological Society and Steve was kind enough to take a look at two close up pictures for me. Because of how heavily the birds were mottled, I had a hard time believing they were baby bluebirds. That is why I searched the Internet and discovered this site.
I appreciate Steve's time confirming that they are juvenile Eastern Bluebirds and also his time posting here.
While adult bluebirds are beautiful, the gray/brown/white mottling on the back and chest along with the vibrant blue tails and wing tips on these tiny creatures is even more so. Just like with my own babies, I wish they could stay that way!
Aug 20, 2015
 Id
by: Steve

Juvenile eastern bluebird on left, gray catbird on right.
Aug 17, 2015
 Two spotted at my feeder, in Myrtle Grove, NC (coast)
by: Anonymous

I can not find out for sure what type this bird is, but this is what we saw at our feeder today!!
Aug 14, 2015
 grey bird blue tail
by: Anonymous

I live in Missouri. I saw a little one on the fence and a larger one in the yard looking for food. These aren't Bluebirds. The bigger bird was more mottled on the head than the little one.
Aug 04, 2015
 Beautiful Little Bluebirds!
by: Anonymous

Saw several of these birds in Sundre Alberta Canada, north West of Calgary Aug 04 2015
Jul 31, 2015
 Would like to identify this bird as well
by: Anonymous

We live in Leawood, Kansas and just sighted 5 of these birds at our birdbath. At least two of them are young birds because they are much smaller than the other three. I have never seen this type of bird before. They are not Bluebirds nor Indigos as we used to live in Kentucky and had both of types of those birds at our feeders.
Jul 27, 2015
 Agree with Dave
by: Anonymous

The bird I saw is too big and bulky compared to an Eastern bluebird.
Jul 27, 2015
 blue winged bird
by: Anonymous

I had about 4 of these birds in my backyard for the first time last evening. Never seen them before. They are bigger than the bluebirds, which I also have in my yard. (SE Minnesota) Wish I knew what they were!
Jul 22, 2015
 Blue tailed birds
by: Dave in Gainesville Ga.

Could be an Eastern Bluebird, but they seem to big and the beak is more conical.
Jul 21, 2015
 About 4 in Louisiana
by: Anonymous

I've been seeing a few of these birds in my backyard in Bossier Parish lately. Has anyone definitely confirmed yet?
Jul 19, 2015
 It's a juvenile Eastern Bluebird
by: Peter Barnes

This is a juvenile Eastern Bluebird. They typically have variable amounts of blue, with gray and or brown on the back and breast, scaling on the breast, sometimes with streaks on the back, as in this bird. The shape is typical for Eastern Bluebird. It is not an Indigo Bunting, which would have a more chunky body, shorter tail, no streaks on the back and a conical bill. It is not the right shape for a Scrub-Jay.
Jul 16, 2015
 Blue tailed birds
by: Bonnie

I am seeing these birds in our back yard on the Cumberland Plateau in Fairfiel Glade Tennesse. At first I thought they were Bluebirds and then I looked through the binoculars and they were the blue tailed and blur wing tiped bird. I would
love to know what it is.
Jul 15, 2015
 Blue tailed birds
by: Dave in Gainesville Ga.

Same bird at our feeder in Georgia
Jul 13, 2015
 Same bird eating my blueberries
by: Nancee Neel

Can anyone identify?
Jul 12, 2015
 THE PICTURED BIRD
by: Anonymous

The picture was taken at my home in Raleigh, NC by my son. No.....the bird has not been identified. It is most definitely not a young blue bird....way too big. The young blue indigo has come the closest to being the bird.
Jul 12, 2015
 bird with blue tail
by: Anonymous

we have this bird also in Summerville, SC
Jul 07, 2015
 Anyone ???
by: Anonymous

I would also like to know more about the bird pictured . Don't see where anyone answered the query.
May 24, 2015
 Indigo Bunting
by: Anonymous

Sarnia, Ontario, Canada .. May 24th.
Thank you Tonya M. for your article and link to Cape Florida Banding Station. Looks like the bird I saw was an Indigo Bunting. Its migratory area fits with S. Ontario. Last Sept. I saw 2 but could not decide what they were. Hope they will nest regularly in this area. Their colour is remarkable!
May 18, 2015
 Indigo Bunting
by: Tonja M

I found this article online..........

We were unable to open nets on Oct 24 due to stormy conditions from low pressure in the Florida Straits, but the rain and wind let up after sunset and a front swept through the area overnight. Today we woke up to blue skies and cooler temperatures and there were still some birds around, even though some likely left the night before. We captured birds steadily all day long, and ended up having our most diverse and busiest day of the season so far, with 102 birds banded of 21 species including several Indigo buntings. This is an adult male and he only has touches of the brilliant blue spring plumage this time of year. The color is still fantastic, especially when set against the warm browns of the rest of the plumage.

https://capefloridabandingstation.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/inbu-ahy-m-1_102514.jpg
May 17, 2015
 VERY bright blue bird
by: Anonymous

May 16th.2015.. Spotted at my feeder in late afternoon in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. Spotted a similar one last Sept. 2014. The one yesterday was bright blue with a slight dark colour on the tail .. Blue Grosbeck? Don't believe it was an Indigo Bunting or Bluebird. Could be the same one that has returned from last year. Because it is mating season, the male may simply be a brighter shade of blue ... Gorgeous!!!
May 05, 2015
 Adult Eastern Blue Bird
by: Anonymous

I live in Spring Branch,TX. I work in Johnson City, TX and I saw one near my office. Found that it is an Adult Eastern Bluebird. The western blue birds and mountain blue birds do have a close resemblance.
May 04, 2015
 What are they?
by: Anonymous

I just saw a pair of these grey birds with blue tails in my bird bath near Frankston, TX and wish I could find out what they are.
Sep 09, 2014
 birds
by: Anonymous

Two of these birds are at my bird bath splashing around. 3pm in salisbury nc there has also been a yellow wabler at the bird bath. I have never seen one of those before. How exciting. They must be migrating.
Sep 06, 2014
 Can't identify these ..
by: Anonymous

Sept. 6 2014
Saw two of these birds at my feeder at about 2pm today.I suspect it is a male and female but cannot identify the specy. I am located in Sarnia, Ontario Canada. We did have a huge storm here last night with heavy winds and torrential rain. I wonder if this bird was swept Easterly as it was beginning its migration south? I have never seen a bird close to this. Don't believe it is a bluebird. I could be wrong.
Aug 31, 2014
 More Pictures
by: Anonymous

I would like to see more pictures. The same birds showed at my blue bird box. I want to think that they are blue birds but they just are not the same. Blue with that reddish chest and mottled and spotted shoulders. Can anyone ID these blue bird want-to-be's???
Aug 22, 2014
 In Wstern NY
by: Anonymous

I just saw one of these on my flagpole this morning here in Niagara County NY It looks like it's an adult
Aug 18, 2014
 this bird seen in FIshers, IN
by: Will T

I saw two birds identical to the one pictured above in Fishers, IN (just north of Indianapolis) today 8/18/14. The birds closest in appearance and those suggested in posts are supposedly not in this region.
Aug 18, 2014
 Mebane
by: Anonymous

Mebane, Are you also seeing the gray bird along with the blue winged/tail bird?
Aug 17, 2014
 Birds
by: Anonymous

I have several of these at my porch and bird feeders here in Mebane.
Aug 14, 2014
 Teresa
by: Ellicott City Birdwatcher

My husband and I saw about 10 this week feeding in bathing in a puddle after the hard rain on Tuesday. We have a lot of bluebirds in the area but have never seen this type with blue wing and tail feathers. I reviewed the Cornell link posted today none match. Still wondering......
Aug 11, 2014
 Baby Bluebirds
by: Anonymous

RE: Baby Bluebirds
Kim - Where are you located?
Aug 11, 2014
 Central Oregon
by: Lysa

Just saw these this morning in my yard and don't know what they are. Has anyone identified them yet?
Aug 11, 2014
 Baby bluebirds
by: Kim

http://backyardbirdnerd.com/2014/05/10/baby-bluebirds/
Aug 10, 2014
 Saw one JUST like this in SE Ohio
by: psmflowerlady

Today, 8/10/14, saw one exactly like the bird on left. Spent some time on ground and then flew to branch. Blue on wintips and tail was brilliant blue but no blue above. Hatch year indigo bunting???
Aug 09, 2014
 Having trouble identifying this partial bluebird
by: Anonymous

Just saw three of them in our backyard in Rutherford County TN. They are beautiful birds. I'm Wondering if the fires in the western part of the county are forcing birds to come eastward?
Aug 08, 2014
 Help Identify
by: SBower

Saw this bird at my feeder today Aug 8 '14. In fact two of them. I cannot identify either. 27608 Raleigh
Aug 03, 2014
 Mystery Bird
by: Anonymous

I spotted a pair of these drinking from my bird bath two days ago (8/1/14) and have been unable to identify them. Looks like I am not alone!
Dunnellon, FL
Aug 02, 2014
 Same bird. Got pic. What is it?
by: Kay H

I've seen this bird at my water, usually taking a bird bath. Can't find NO picture of it to tell me what it is. Got several pictures of it, through my glass door. It's very pretty! If anyone knows what it is, please let me know! Thanks
Jul 20, 2014
 Unidentified bird
by: Carol

That looks like same pair we saw in our back yard here in Cabool, MO last evening, July 19, 2014. They took baths in birdbath same as our Eastern Bluebirds do.
Jul 19, 2014
 Indigo Bunting?
by: Anonymous

We've just spotted 30 - 40 of these beautiful birds in our yard. Wondering if the are migrating. We live in Central Arkansas.
Jun 24, 2014
 Chesterfield Sighting
by: Anonymous

What about an indigo bunting is so sexy that a catbird always wants to follow it around? :)
Jun 24, 2014
 just saw the same pair here in Chesterfield Virginia
by: Anonymous

What is it??????
Jun 07, 2014
 Tonya M--Looks Like a Match....except
by: Anonymous

Tonya, I like your research especially for the male on the left. The dark gray bird on the right that looks like a catbird is always with the male on the left. None of the indigo bunting photos I've seen show a solid gray bird as a seasonal variation of the indigo bunting. Also interesting, is I haven't seen the other seasonal variations of indigo bunting visit the feeder.....only the version in the photo we posted. It would be interesting to hear if the other posters also see the dark grey bird tagging along with what looks to be a juvenile male indigo bunting.
Jun 07, 2014
 Bird at Feeder
by: Tonja M

I live in Gaston County, North Carolina and saw this bird for the first time this morning. After reading all of the posts and doing some research on Google I found this website and I believe the bird we are seeing is the first year Indigo Bunting..... http://www.migrationresearch.org/mbo/id/inbu.html
May 27, 2014
 Not eastern bluebirds
by: Anonymous

I have seen these birds at my site. I have also see eastern bluebirds. They are not the same. These birds are much larger than the eastern bluebird. My son made these photos and so I know that these are not eastern bluebirds.
May 27, 2014
 Seen in New Jersey tonight
by: Annemarie

I'm near Philadelphia as a point of reference. Was astonished to see one of these beauties at our feeder tonight!

May 26, 2014
 I have one on my feeder everday
by: MrsT

I see this bird everyday on my bird feeder eating the fat balls. Never seen one before, would love to know what it is.
Aug 14, 2013
 YES, they are young eastern bluebirds!
by: Anonymous

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology confirmed that they are young easterns! Their response:

That is a juvenile Eastern Bluebird. Picture #6 at the bottom is also one of those: All About Birds.

Your observation that the bird is bigger than an average bluebird is likely accurate: often birds are at their largest right out of the nest, hedging against the perilous uncertainty of life after fledging!
Aug 10, 2013
 Same Bird In Photo
by: Howard

We saw 2 of these birds at our feeder today where we put grub worms for our blue birds. We live in Louisville, Kentucky and we have never seen birds like this since we have been bird watching. These looked exactly like the one in your photo. They have black or dark grey speckles on their head on grey. Speckles extend to their shoulder, their bellies are all grey with a light grey ring around their eye. Tail wings are real blue like the blue birds. Tips of wings are bright blue. They were enjoying eating grub worms. What are they??
Aug 09, 2013
 Same birds in Raleigh...
by: Cindy

Have seen two to four of these in our Raleigh birdbaths for a week now! Beautiful, bigger than bluebirds though 'cuz we have bluebirds. Would love to know what they are!
Aug 08, 2013
 my feeder
by: carol

Ihave had these at my feeder for 2 or 3 yrs I have never been able to identify either ..I live in southeastern okla
Aug 03, 2013
 8 of these in Camden, AR
by: Anonymous

Saw them splashing around in a large dog watering bowl this afternoon ... Very pretty birds!
Aug 01, 2013
 Same bird as in picture
by: Larry


First time here in Fenwick Ontario Canada.
Aug 01, 2013
 What are they
by: Anonymous

I saw about six of these birds this morning. They were on a power line and flew out to catch bug and right back to line. They will not let us get close. I have been looking all over the web and cannot find out what they are. Hope someone out there will let us know.
Jul 29, 2013
 had two also this morning
by: Anonymous

i had two of this same bird for the very first time this morning.......have no idea what they might be.....will follow here to see if they get identified by someone.....and will also try to get a photo if they return.......
Jul 16, 2013
 hoping someone can figure out what this bird is!!
by: Anonymous

just saw this bird sitting for quite awhile on a low branch of a red maple tree near Kansas City, MO and have no idea what it is either--looked at all our usual resources and cannot find anything that looks like this bird. Was not able to get a good picture--hopefully someone else can and post it
Jul 15, 2013
 same bird
by: Anonymous

I saw 5 or 6 of the same bird this morning. Have never seen them before , but it wet and calm for a change. We have been in a terrible drought.
I am in Woodward Co. Ok.
I was watching a painted bunting and them saw these birds . will keep checking untill this is solved for sure.
Jul 12, 2013
 juvenile eastern bluebirds
by: Anonymous

I seen three of these birds in my backyard, and also wondered what they were.
But if you google (images) of the juvenile eastern bluebirds and that's what they looked like. But they did seem a bit larger then a regular bluebird.
Jul 01, 2013
 Mystery birds!
by: Susam

Unfortunately you can't load photos in the comments. However if you start a new submission with photo we would all appreciate it.
Jun 30, 2013
 In Indiana this morning
by: Anonymous

One was at my feeder this morning. Came back for a better look...had the opportunity to have pictures of juvy bluejays to compare. Definitely not. Mottled gray and white, not fluffy. Stumped!
Jun 30, 2013
 Yes, yes, yes to a better photo!
by: Anonymous

A new & better photo would be the best way to maybe finally identify these crazy birds!
Jun 30, 2013
 NOT JUVY BLUEBIRDS- JUST NOT
by: Anonymous

I had a flock of these (at least ten) in my flower garden this morning. I have a cleaner picture if someone can tell me how to post it here.
Jun 25, 2013
 Here in Ocala, FL, too!
by: Janniperk

I was just floored to glance out and see 10-15 of these guys at my birdbath! They were having the best time, but practically drained the water after cavorting like insane contortionists. But they all look like the one on the left in the photo. Brilliant tail and wingtips, mottled chest and head - just DYING to know what they are!
Jun 22, 2013
 Spotted in Missouri
by: Anonymous

These birds fly in the tops of trees here in Platte City. Hard to get a good look at them, but do not look like my Eastern Blue Birds. Very grey on top half of body and the blue does not become apparent until they are in flight. Very curious. They have not come to my feeder, though.
Jun 14, 2013
 stumped
by: Anonymous

my apologies to Pittsboro, NC sightings NEW
by:

Stumped in Arkansas
Jun 14, 2013
 they ARE Juvie Bluebirds
by: Anonymous

My post yesterday was wrong.

Stumped in Arkansas
Jun 13, 2013
 same bird in Arkansas
by: Tom E

These are not juvenile bluebirds...definitely not.

I've spotted the same bird, two adults and two juveniles at my backyard bird bath the last few days. I did a fairly exhaustive search and could not i.d. it online.

We've never seen these birds before,

Stumped in Arkansas
Jun 04, 2013
 Pittsboro, NC sightings
by: Anonymous

They are juvenile bluebirds!!! Found it on a website!
Jun 03, 2013
 Saw in Pittsboro, NC
by: Anonymous

I saw 3 of these in my backyard today. I am about 35 miles from Raleigh, NC. I have been googling it all night to no avail. Definitely not juvenile bluejays, have seen those before and these aren't comparable. I would love to know what they are!!
May 12, 2013
 Alpharetta, GA
by: Anonymous

I have been seeing--and puzzling over--these birds @ my feeder for the past few days. [I also have male and female Eastern Bluebirds that come to the feeder; I have seen them close enough to this bird to know that they definitely are not the same, in terms of size, shape or coloring.]
May 01, 2013
 Unknown bird
by: Anonymous

I saw 4 of these birds for the first time in my yard today in Nahunta, Ga. I do not have a clue what they were. I have eastern bluebirds and the bluebird kept running them off from one of my birdhouses. It acted like it was interested in the birdhouse, but the eastern bluebird didn't want it there. It is the same size as the bluebird. I would love to know what they are.
Mar 01, 2013
 Sometimes juiveniles *appear* larger than their parents
by: GaryE

Ok I am no bird expert but I get to see a lot of blue jays and juvenile blue jays on the rails of our back deck where we put out peanuts religiously every day or sometimes even two or three times a day. The juvenile often appear to be larger than the parents . . . sometimes as much as 20% larger. However as they mature they become less "fluffy" (due to molting I guess?) and then they appear to be the same size or smaller than the adult.

In my opinion that is what we are seeing here. A juvenile with fluffy feathers who only appears larger than the adult. In other words I really think we have an immature male blue bird with a mature female.
Oct 02, 2012
 Juvenile Western Bluebird
by: Anonymous

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pware/6076137979/

This is like the ones I saw. They seemed a pair, not siblings.
Oct 02, 2012
 Juvenile Western Bluebird
by: Anonymous

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pware/6076137979/

This is like the ones I saw. They seemed a pair, not siblings.
Oct 02, 2012
 Wayne WV
by: The Frys

I saw two in western WV on September 28 enjoying my dogwood berries. It's new here to me.
Sep 27, 2012
 Western blue birds?
by: Anonymous

It really looks like a female western bluebird:

http://www.paulnoll.com/Oregon/Birds/Likely/likely-Bluebird-Western.html

Curious why so many of us are spotting them here in the east.
Sep 27, 2012
 Brevard, NC
by: Anonymous

Just saw two of these in my backyard in Brevard, North Carolina. Very similar size to those pictured except perhaps a bit fatter. Blue very brilliant when they're in flight.
Sep 24, 2012
 http://www.pbase.com/image/137573965
by: Derblur

It's a Juvenile Western Bluebird FOR SURE..
Aug 30, 2012
 Strange bird
by: Kent

Not a blue-gray tanager, not a juvenile bluebird (these are already bigger). Looks like a speckled sparrow from the waist up, but sports a bright blue tail. Saw it in a salt marsh this morning. What is it?
Aug 25, 2012
 Same bird in VA
by: Anonymous

I live near Fredericksburg, VA, and have been seeing these birds for a few weeks. Their appearance has not changed, so I don't know if they are the juveniles or not. Their heads don't seem to have the blue coloration. They are very attracted to our bird bath. I have two or three visit a lot.
Aug 24, 2012
 mysterious bird
by: bnalan

We just saw a strange bird in our yard. After looking at the pics of western juvenile bluebird and comparing our pic that has to be what it is. Would ass the pic if I knew how to do that. We are in Rock Hill, SC just south of Charlotte, NC
Aug 22, 2012
 Oh, Really
by: Anonymous

How can they be juvenile Blue Birds when they are already bigger than adult ones?
Aug 22, 2012
 Definitely a juvenile Eastern Bluebird
by: Jason

This is a juvenile Eastern Bluebird. We see them all the time in Cary, NC starting in June/July.
Aug 19, 2012
 Not Eastern blue bird or western scrub jay
by: Coley

Its interesting that no one can seem to identify this bird. I have had eastern blue birds stand next to them, they are definitely not the same bird. Also the breast is much different than the western scrub jay....they have similiarities the finch in their front colors but they are much larger than finches also. And like another commenter they are very people friendly, the one comes to my window on a regular basis and likes to hang out with me, it also comes and finds me when the bird feeder is low. Would really like to figure it out.
Aug 19, 2012
 Not Eastern blue bird or western scrub jay
by: Coley

Its interesting that no one can seem to identify this bird. I have had eastern blue birds stand next to them, they are definitely not the same bird. Also the breast is much different than the western scrub jay....they have similiarities the finch in their front colors but they are much larger than finches also. And like another commenter they are very people friendly, the one comes to my window on a regular basis and likes to hang out with me, it also comes and finds me when the bird feeder is low. Would really like to figure it out.
Aug 18, 2012
 Fort Carson, CO
by: Anonymous

Have been seeing the exact same birds as in the photo. We have had feeders out for years. Never noticed that kind of bird before. I will say they stay really calm & comfortable around people.
Jul 31, 2012
 OK, I think I found it.
by: Anonymous

I believe these are juvenile western scrub jays. Their normal range extends east to central Texas, but it's so hot and dry here now I'm sure they feel right at home. Check out the link.

http://nwbackyardbirder.blogspot.com/2009/07/juvenile-western-scrub-jay.html.
Jul 31, 2012
 Sighted 4 in Arkansas
by: Anonymous

I have watched birds my whole life and have NEVER seen these but there were four at a dish of water I put out on the side of my house. We are having extreme drought, 21 days of 100+ temperatures so far this year. Birds look fine. They seem like juveniles, the size of cardinals or a tiny bit smaller. They aren't tanagers. I'll keep watching here to see if anyone identifies them. Have already looked on the internet and in several bird books, no luck, that's why I think they are juveniles. Gray back, chest seems a little mottled, a deep gray-blue tail and lower top of the back. Long beak, not like a finch.
Jul 29, 2012
 What I have is not Blue Bird
by: Anonymous

I have been reading these comments and very surprised that this bird is still not identified..at least not the bird that I saw today.. I had 7 of these bird at my birdbath.
The birds I saw were all female or juveniles but the blue tail and flight feather were very unusual. They are large birds at least 7 to 8 in.. I have never seen birds like this before..
I have bluebird boxes and had at least 30 hatched.. after watching them all summer I can say these are not Eastern Blue Birds..Much bigger..
If they come back I will try to get a picture.. My guess is what ever they are the change in the weather has brought them to my backyard.. I enjoyed seeing them..
Jul 29, 2012
 Central Kentucky
by: Groom

Saw them in C. Kentucky today bathing in a puddle.
Jul 17, 2012
 its a juvenile eastern bluebird!
by: Janis

goto: http://www.dotphoto.com/GuestViewImage.asp?AID=2132826&IID=67895661&INUM=12&ICT=45&IPP=16
I've been seeing these for the last week in Jacksonville FL.
The mottled chest threw me. It reminded me of a common grackle but the chest was mottled...
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/common_grackle/id
http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birding/common-grackle/
But it isn't as large as the grackle. I believe it is a Juvenile Eastern Bluebird!!
Jul 16, 2012
 still unidentified?
by: Anonymous

I saw about 4 or 5 of these birds on my feeder yesterday in Alabama. Did anyone every identify them? I think they were too large for Bluebirds.
Jul 07, 2012
 Saw them in Maryland
by: Karene Smith

I don't know what this bird is either. I started checking the guides and everything pointed to a juvenile blue bird. I looked up pics, and that is NOT what I saw. Neither is it the blue grey Tanager. The bird I have looks like a sparrow from the "waist" up, and and Indigo Bunting from the "waist" down. The head was shaped like a sparrow, the size also consistent with a sparrow. The back had the over lapping feather pattern on a sparrow but it had black wing tips, and white bars above that. I don't have a clue what this is
Jul 02, 2012
 Juvenile Eastern Bluebird
by: Anonymous

www.shutterstock.com search for "Juvenile Eestern Bluebird" returns remarkably similar photos of the bird in question.
Jul 01, 2012
 GA sighting
by: Anonymous

I just saw 3 of these at my bird bath in North Georgia. I was trying to decide what they are. While at the bird bath a female Bluebird also landed.
Jun 26, 2012
 Same birds just spotted outside Richmond, VA
by: Anonymous

I used to live on the West Coast, so I was very surprised to see a group of four of these birds perched out near my feeders in Virgina today...this seems impossible, but do a google search for "Juvenile Western Bluebird"...some of the posted pics seem to be an exact match for the pics I took today. What do you think...could there be young Western Bluebirds on the East Coast?
Jun 22, 2012
 Mystery solved?????
by: Anonymous

The bird pictured , the one seen in Raleigh,NC, was about 8" in lenth,at least. According to my Birds in North Carolina Field Guide book, a grown bluebird is no bigger than 7" at the most. They have a rusty-red breast, both male and female and the young ones, and a white belly. The bird we saw was nothing like a bluebird and we have those coming to our feeder also. So, maybe the mystery is not solved.
Jun 22, 2012
 Blue tailed bird
by: Anonymous

Saw this bird in my back yard in Western NC this morning; had never seen it before.
Jun 18, 2012
 Thank you!!
by: Anonymous

Thanks for solving the mystery!! Geesh....
Jun 18, 2012
 anonymous bird
by: Anonymous

My comment was the one just below hickory corners/ delton mi area.Well I took my pics down to the bird sanctuary not to far from my house and boy did I feel silly. Come to find out it was a young blue bird :). I was surprised cause it sure didn't look like one. Well mystery solved.
Jun 18, 2012
 Curious looking bird
by: Anonymous

I had the same looking birds in my backyard and I live in Arkansas. I had six and have never seen them before.
Jun 13, 2012
 unkown bird
by: Anonymous

I have seen the same bird and have pics. It looks like a sparrow until it starts to fly then all you see is blue. I live delton/hickory corners mi area. Would love to know what this is not in any of my books.
Jun 10, 2012
 Resizing image for closer inspection
by: Anonymous

Call me computer illiterate but I just now figured out how to zoom in on the web page photo. Hold the control key down and hit the plus symbol.
Jun 10, 2012
 Still no luck identfying bird
by: Anonymous

We've seen this bird again this spring in Raleigh but still don't know conclusively what it is.

It's grey mate looks has all the eye, beak, color features of a cat bird but nothing I've read suggests the other bird is what either mate in a catbird pair looks like.
Jun 09, 2012
 Near Ann Arbor MI
by: Anonymous

Saw this same bird at the Mathei Botanical Gardens near Ann Arbor Mi on Monday afternoon June 4, 2012. I too an trying to identify this bird.
Jun 06, 2012
 Same thing
by: Anonymous

I have spotted the same birds in my feeder in Raleigh NC. They are definately not bluebirds and they are not located in any of my books.
Sep 05, 2011
 Saw one of these in TN
by: Vicki 'round Nashville

We have been trying to figure out what it was since we saw it yesterday. I've seen it a couple of times at the bird"bath". I would have thought I was imagining it except my husband, who isn't known to imagine things, saw it twice also.

I am going to continue watching this thread to see if anyone figures it out! Beautiful blue tail feathers- at first I thought "who spray painted a bird???"
v
Aug 27, 2011
 Grey sparrow sized bird with blue head
by: Anonymous

We had a bird at our bath today that was maybe a little larger than a sparrow and grey in color(white bar on wing) except a blue cap on it's head.I thought it had a little bib but it could have been a shadow as my husband doesn't recall it. We are in Ks and have never seen it before. Any ideas?Thanks
Aug 13, 2011
 Yep, we have them in Kentucky too
by: Anonymous

Down here in Western KY we have them too this year, first time I've ever seen them.
Aug 08, 2011
 Blue tailed bird. What is it?
by: Anonymous

Saw one of these blue tailed birds yesterday in Battle Creek MI. I thought it was a sparrow till it took flight!
Aug 06, 2011
 Two gray birds with blue tails
by: Anonymous

Just saw two birds on our feeder -- gray with blue tails and larger than bluebirds, about the size of cardinals. Can't find them in my bird books. We are located 6mi south of Hillsborough, NC.
Jul 24, 2011
 bluebird mystery
by: Anonymous

I just saw a male and female in my backyard in Charlotte, NC. Never saw them before and looked it up and came to this blog. They look exactly like the ones in the photo above. The male is clearly more colorful.
Jun 27, 2011
 Measured birds
by: Judy in KY

The pipe is 1-1/2 inches and I measure the birds at 4 inches from their feet to the top of their head. To their tail they measure 5-1/2 inches. Thoughts???? Also the bluebirds I photographed before these don't have the white circle around their eyes or the yellow smear under the eyes.
Jun 27, 2011
 Will keep watching
by: Judy in KY

I have received other comments re: them being young Bluebirds. They seem to be nearly the same size as adult Bluebirds if not a little bigger. I will keep watching and hope to change them again and maybe with something that shows their size or that they have lost the "spots".
Jun 27, 2011
 Aged Bluebirds????
by: Judy in KY

I have photographed a pair of these "aged Bluebirds". Let me know if anyone identifies them. jmai12891@kvnet.org
Jun 26, 2011
 Photo of a Blue-gray Tanager
by: Susan

I found this photo on Flicker of a Blue-gray Tanager;
Blue-Gray Tanager.
Jun 26, 2011
 Unknown Bird
by: Judy-Seattle

I love a challenge. While looking at your photo and description, I wonder if the bird on the left with the mottled chest is maybe a juvenile. My North American book showed a bird called a Blue-grey Tanager that was "introduced in Miami from tropical America". Since my book was published in 1966, this bird could have made it up to NC by now. On the web I also found a Brazilian bird called a Sayaca Tanager. It resembles your bird, too. Look these up on the web and see what you think.

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