Bird ID pretty please (pics included)

[WifeKidsandDog]

This pair appeared at the feeders late yesterday afternoon -- I don't have a clue what they are.

Thank you!

[WALLEYENUTZ]

looks like a starling. not sure

[WifeKidsandDog]

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looks like a starling. not sure

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The closest thing I could see in my book was a European Starling but I'm not sure either.

Cheryl

[Tom Wilson]

Cheryl,

Jon hit it on the nose--they're European Starlings. Most people think of them as garbage birds, and it depends on which side of the fence you want to stand--they kind of are either side you choose, but they sure are pretty when the sun glints off of their plumage this time of year.

Tom W

[WifeKidsandDog]

Thanks, Tom.

They seemed kind of mean -- kept kicking the finches off the feeders, lol.

Cheryl

[captainshane]

YA THAT IS A STARLING (GARBAGE BIRD). THERE ARE UN-PROTECTED SO YOU CAN SHOOT THEM ANYTIME.

[buzzsaw]

They sweep all the stuff off the bird feeders and it drives me crazy! I'm not a big fan of Starlings. Good pics though.

[Steve Foss]

Yeah, they're tough and full of muscle. They are an alien species (like the house sparrow and pheasant, among others). They DO push and shove at the feeder. Kind of the flipside of the "ugly American" image, eh? Americans are widely considered rude and crude by Europeans. Nice that we have a European import to say the same thing about.

[WifeKidsandDog]

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Nice that we have a European import to say the same thing about.

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'Cos it certainly couldn't be said about ME!

[Fowlguy]

we call them cow birds.its a bird u do not want at your feeders.

[buzzsaw]

Did you know there is actually a bird with the name "Cowbird"? It's black with a brown head. Heres a picture or two.

You probably already knew this I'm guessing???

[Dotch]

Yupper, the cowbirds used to ride around on the backs of the buffalo in the olden days and do the same thing with cattle. They're not above riding on the backs of our brood ewes as they're grazing the pasture, pecking at bugs, flies, etc. Must like the wool upholstery or something. Don't recall cowbirds at the feeders. Cowbirds of course have the nasty habit of laying their eggs in other birds nests, leaving them to raise their offspring for them. Some birds are wise to their ways and are smart enough to boot their eggs out before that becomes an issue. You probably should buy some sheep there buzz to keep them away from your feeders!

[buzzsaw]

My doggie would love to chase around a farm animal!