Bird ID please - a bit vague but suggestions welcome!

[werdnal]

Driving home from school run earlier, and came across a bird sitting in the road. As it flew off I was struck by its vivid white rump (like a bullfinch, but there the resemblance ends). It flew along the lane, and landed briefly on a field gate, where I got a slightly better look. It was a green/brown in colour, similar to a warbler which we do get here, but it was larger - a bit like a wagtail in size and shape, but a shorter tail. Long body, fine head, with very sharply pointed beak. It didn't hang around long enough for me to notice any specific markings, but the white rump was the thing that made it stand out.

We are semi-rural, with pastureland surrounding us. The field it entered was cut for hay earlier this week, so maybe looking for food there.

Sorry. I know its always a puzzle without a photo, but any suggestions which I could look up would be great.

Thanks!

[pressld2]

I think wheatear is in with a shout, especially the vivid white rump.

Dave P.

[Adam Cheeseman]

Beat me to it Dave. Sounds like it could be a Wheatear to me too.

Cheers,

Adam

[Tursiops2]

Wheatear seems the likeliest candidate, female or juvenile. They're migrating through the UK at this time of year and can turn up on almost any bit of open ground.

T2

[faz]

Wheatear the beak and size dont match but jay is possible

[werdnal]

Thanks for the quick replies. Funnily enough I thought Wheatear when I saw it, but when I looked up photos, I was just seeing males with their different colouring. Now I've seen females, it could be one, although colours seemed a little more muted - possibly a juvenile? I have just checked the local birding blog and they have been seen not far away very recently, so I agree it could well be!

I assume it may be on migration as we are in Cornwall so its possibly just passing through.

[werdnal]

Originally Posted by faz

Wheatear the beak and size dont match but jay is possible

I said the size of a wagtail, so definately too small for a Jay! We get Jays here all time.

[faz]

Originally Posted by werdnal

I said the size of a wagtail, so definately too small for a Jay! We get Jays here all time.

i know you did