help with id please

[witham]

For the last few days we've had a new ground feeding bird in the garden, it's about the same size as a house sparrow or maybe slightly smaller, has a similar patterned but a bit paler back and wings, pale body, a white collar, black head and bib (not so big as a Robins breast). I've checked my books and the nearest seems to be either a Willow or Marsh Tit but its back markings are different and bib larger and blacker than both these I've tried to get a photo but not had much success at the moment as it's always about with loads of other birds so difficult to get a good shot.

[aeshna5]

Sounds rather like a male Reed Bunting- similar to sparrow in size, black head + bib in breeding plumage with a white collar. They do come to feeding stations, especially in rural areas.

[Wild-Woman]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

Sounds rather like a male Reed Bunting- similar to sparrow in size, black head + bib in breeding plumage with a white collar. They do come to feeding stations, especially in rural areas.

That's exactly what sprung to my mind.

[witham]

Thank's for that, that's great, I can't recall having one in the garden before, we live in mid/south Lincs near a river and have fields with drains etc on three sides would that be the right habitat for them.

[Goldeneye]

Spookily I actually photographed Reed Buntings on the river Witham only 2 days ago !

[witham]

Spooky indeed, that's the very river near us hence my user name He's about again this morning having his breakfast with the others, what does the female look like? does she have any black 'bits' or plainer like most other 'birdettes'

[diggleken]

She is plainer - no striking black/white head, but otherwise, a bit similar, little bit of white on the neck and a tad less warm brown, with grey replacing the white nape/collar and a streakier chest. Have a look at the RSPB site for good pics of the differences!
Some females can be more striking than the norm though!
Cheers
Ken

[witham]

Thank's for your help, I'm almost certain now there's a female with him, very exciting I can add another 'make' of garden visitor to my list