Help identifying bird near woodlands

[Lioness]

I saw a bird that I've never seen before on my way to work this morning. It flew out of the edge of a patch of woodland and landed on the roof of a house.

The bird looked about 8 inches tall at a guess, it was quite slim, and was pale yellow in colouring, slightly darker and possibly green rather than yellow on it's back.

From a distance it look like it had a small tuft on it's head, and a short but pointed beak.

The most distinctive thing about it though was it's call. It made a noise like someone squeezing a squeaker toy, four times in a row. Just the noise the toy would make when you squeeze it, without the noie you'd get when the air goes back in again.

I've tried searching sites for ideas as to what it might be but no luck really. Closest I got was a flycatcher in terms of body shape but that's not quite right I think.

[Alan G]

The best I can suggest based on size and slimness, yellowy with greener upper parts is Yellow Wagtail.

Did it look like this?



Depends what habitats are nearby though - they tend to like wetland or moist/damp/boggy areas?

[Lioness]

It's a possibility. Does the call sound right? That's the one thing I'm certain of.

[Alan G]

They have a high pitched call but not sure it matches what you heard?

A link here to info on Yellow Wagtail as well as their call:

Yellow Wagtail - BirdForum Opus

[wildlifesnapper]

Hi

sounds to me as if it could have been a Green Woodpecker.They often feed on the ground and the "laughing" call is unmistakable.

neil

[wildlifesnapper]

Originally Posted by wildlifesnapper

Hi

sounds to me as if it could have been a Green Woodpecker.They often feed on the ground and the "laughing" call is unmistakable.

neil

on second thoughts forget it , I misread the discription!!!!

[Lioness]

Thanks. I'll check out the sound link when I'm at home. I can't play sound at work.

[asheleaf]

Originally Posted by wildlifesnapper

Hi

sounds to me as if it could have been a Green Woodpecker.They often feed on the ground and the "laughing" call is unmistakable.

neil

that was my first thought too

Ashe

[ChrisJB]

Originally Posted by wildlifesnapper

Hi

sounds to me as if it could have been a Green Woodpecker.They often feed on the ground and the "laughing" call is unmistakable.

neil

'Twas my first thought.

Regards, Chris

[Adam Cheeseman]

Habitat is wrong for a yellow wagtail. From your description it sounds to me like a greenfinch (size can be deceptive).
Their song/call is wheezy and does sound a bit like a squeaky toy at times.

Cheers,

Adam