RFI - Unknown red crowned bird

[Bluffs Birder]

Hi All,

Yesterday while sitting enjoying the rainfall (not!!!!), a small bird came by and paused for 30 seconds in the tree just outside my window.  Unfortunately, because it was so dull outside and the fact that the bird was sitting on the far side of the tree made for an extremely difficult view.  What I did see though was a light coloured bird approximately 5"-5.5" in length that had a diffinite red crown.  Also noted was a dark eyeline.  Overall the bird looked light grey or maybe even light tan with a lighter coloured breast.  I didn't notice any streaks or spots on the breast or back but the bird was wet from the rain so it was hard to tell for sure.  The only possibilities I can come up with are a very light coloured Hoary Redpoll (but they have a red cap, not a red crown) or a domestic escapee.  I'm lost on this one, any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks
Bluffs Birder

You really never know what you are going to see at any given time.

[Brian Bailey]

Maybe a Golden-crowned Kinglet?  They have an orange stripe down the centre of the crown.  The yellow on either side of the orange is usually more prominent, but occasionally the orange is more noticeable than the yellow.

Other possibilities:  Tree Sparrow or Chipping Sparrow.

BB

[David the park stroller]

I suspect it might have been an ovenbird from your description.  

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBi ... nbird.html