Bird Description

Common in most deciduous woodland. An early migrant, its small size and long tail, that swishes around, always draw comment. Calls a lot, a distinctive, buzzy but nasal high-pitched 'speeeez.' Very active, rarely on its own, as it constantly moves and contorts on twig ends, tail seemingly everywhere. On migration often flies later in the morning in small groups. ID: Size and shape distinctive with enormously long bill for such a small bird. Gray upperparts and off-white underparts with a bold eyering that pops, and bold white outer tail feathers. Ad ? br: black line from bill to behind eye. All other plumages lack this and are similar. Imm: often duller with some retained juv brown-fringed wing feathers.