Bird Description

Fairly common in open countryside, golf courses, parks, orchards, and anywhere with scattered trees. Happy in larger gardens and can be attracted by nest boxes or natural cavities, though you may have to kick out HOSP and COST. A familiar and very popular bird. In late fall gathers in flocks, when its light, mellow shorebird-like 'tewlee' is a regular overhead call. Song a longer warbled version. Sociable, sits on fenceposts and small trees before dropping to the ground to grab dinner. White belly and vent on otherwise orange underparts. In winter often in mixed flocks. ID: Fairly small and plump. Often seems neckless with shortish tail. All plumages duller in winter, often with buff fringes. Underparts orange with white belly and vent. Ad?: beautiful blue upperparts brightest in spring. Ad ?: duller with pale throat and partial eyering. 1st-w: similar to ? with some retained juv coverts and flight feathers. Ageing and sexing is difficult! Juv: dark-spotted plumage held briefly.