Two Mississippi Birds

[CrazyforCockatiels]

We were visiting family in Mississippi last week and I got these two shots of birds. Not sure what they are. Any ideas?

The first picture, when enlarged, shows a black tail with a white band near the top.

[Monica]

My first thought was an elegant trogan...



However, elegant trogans aren't native to Mississipi.... more like Arizona and Mexico.

There's the possibility that it could be an american robin, however he just doesn't look like a robin....



I'm not really sure what else it could be.... but as for the second bird, a red eyed vireo looks similar...




I haven't gotten any other ideas...

[CrazyforCockatiels]

Thanks, Monica! Interesting thoughts on these. I wish I'd gotten better photos!

[Peregrine Harlequin]

The first one might just be a bad picture of a northern cardinal. A bad pose or angle could easily hide his crest. And his black face plus a slight shadow could account for the "black head."

The second is definitely a gray catbird. They've been hanging around here recently, so I've been able to see and hear lots of them.

[CrazyforCockatiels]

Peregrine Harlequin~ Thanks. I agree; I believe the first was a cardinal and the angle at which I snapped the photo was poor.

[Buteo]

Not sure about the first, but the second is a Grey Catbird.