Bird Description

Common bird of mixed forest. It summer, lives high in trees and is often easier to hear than see. Has lovely sweet whistled song and a distinctive call, like the squeak of a rusty bedspring. Moves slowly, often sitting for long periods in same place. On migration, found lower down and is frequent visitor to bird feeders. Will look around imperiously as if sizing up the situation. In flight, has distinctive shape, bold color patterns, and a mellow 'pew' call. ID: Solidly built with a large head and powerful bill. Ad ? br: striking black and white with 'rose' apron. In late summer, many black feathers replaced by duller brown-edged feathers with streaks on rump and flanks. Crimson underwing.1st-s ?: similar. ?: brown and white with a boldly striped head and spotted wing bars. Yellow-buff underwing. Underparts whiter in spring, buffier at other times, streaked across breast. 1st-w ?: similar but more orange-buff with red underwing coverts.