Dead Bird ID?

[LiquidOnyx]

I just found this bird on the lawn, killed by one of my cats.

The only songbird we have around here are House Sparrows, so I've never seen a bird like this here before. I've tried searching my bird books and online, and am still unsure what species it is. Anyone have any idea?

[rossy]

treecreeper for me, rossy. and welcome.

[RoyW]

It's a Sedge Warbler, presumably one that was on it's way south.

I can see where Rossy is coming from with the Treecreeper suggetion, but although the bill seems down curved it is not long enough + the underparts are not white enough (among other things).


I'll second Rossy's welcome - and suggest that you try not to take any offence at any (possible) later comments about cats killing wildlife - the subject can become quite emotional.
(I'll suggest a collar with a bell may help prevent some casualties and leave it at that).

[Ferret]

Hi and welcome, its a bit of a mess but I think we will end up deciding on Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus, it seems to have the correct head & wing pattern and is about the correct size.

Ferret

[Picidae]

Roy beat me to it while I was uploading an image! Yes, it is a Sedge Warbler - a youngster on it's way South for the first time. How sad.

Can see where Rossy was coming from re: bill but take a look at the warbler feet compared to this image Rossy! (and mantle pattern etc)



I'd echo Roy's comments about getting a bell for the cat.

[LiquidOnyx]

Ah, thank you!
I'm right on the south coast, so that makes sense.

Polly has had bells on her collar before, but she's very good at loosing them. At least she never kills more then a few birds a year, and my other cats have no interest in birds. Still a shame whenever she does catch one, though.

[andywolves]

I put a goat bell on my Springer...people three streets away can hear her coming now!

[rossy]

thanks for correcting me chaps, and yes picadae good point on the feet. rossy.