Red Splotch

[Wingnut]

Saw a bird at one of my feeders yesterday that I once saw in a book. I only saw it for a few seconds, went in to grab my camera and by the time I got back it was gone. It was grayish and I swear it had black &  yellow wingtips but the most noticeable marking was a red patch like an inkblot just below the chin at the top of the chest. I live very close to the Niagara River and see many birds over the year but never have I seen one quite like this. I thought it was a dove but my wife thought woodpecker yet we have searched the internet for 2 days and cannot find anything like it. Not much to go on but I hope someone recognizes it.

[Kin Lau]

Try looking up "European Goldfinch". It could be an escapee.

[Wingnut]

Not a Goldfinch. Much larger, like a small pigeon or large dove. Very sleek, but that red splotch in the middle of its breast was very distinct and with a sharp defined edge to it resembling an amoeba somewhat. Someone had mentioned to me about a bleeding heart dove but that wasn't it either. Strange bird.

Heading north for a few days. Thanks to those who are trying to figure this bird out for me. Appreciate it. I'll check in when I get back. Thanks for looking.

[JMCDA]

Having observed many Rose breasted grosbeaks last week at Pelee and Rondeau I noticed that the younger males are quite variable in colouration from the older males. We had one very polite and patient fellow coming to our feeders that had brownish grey wing/back/tail  feathers and was quite heavily speckled/flecked along the outer edges of his belly with his chest patch not as brilliant rose as the dominant birds.  From a distance and a sideways glance with his head turned away he didn't look like a grosbeak at all - a couple of times I was looking out the window and had to look twice to make sure of what I was seeing, especially when he was down in the leaves searching for dropped seeds and the sun was behind the clouds....any chance?  

Joann

[Kin Lau]

Or you could have an escapee from the Bird Kingdom if you're close to Niagara... in which case anything is possible.

[Lee]

Saw a bird at one of my feeders yesterday that I once saw in a book. I only saw it for a few seconds, went in to grab my camera and by the time I got back it was gone. It was grayish and I swear it had black &  yellow wingtips but the most noticeable marking was a red patch like an inkblot just below the chin at the top of the chest. I live very close to the Niagara River and see many birds over the year but never have I seen one quite like this. I thought it was a dove but my wife thought woodpecker yet we have searched the internet for 2 days and cannot find anything like it. Not much to go on but I hope someone recognizes it.

Are you sure the red blotch was under the chin and not on the back of the neck?  I'm thinking of a Northern Flicker.  They have yellow under the wings, maybe it turned and you thought the blotch was in front?

[Faltorvo]

Northern flicker sounds very possible.

[Wingnut]

No doubt this bird is not from around here. I can't find it anywhere on the internet. It probably is an escapee from the Niagara Bird Kingdom or from a house. If I ever find it I'll be sure to let you all know. Thanks for trying.

[BirderBill]

JMCDA's suggestion sounds like it fits the description.  Did you check for the Rose Breasted Grosbeak?