Myadestes townsendi
L 8 1/2" (22 cm).

Song or calls:
High-pitched “eek.” Song is loud, complex, melodious warbling.

more images

photo by Phil Swanson

Description: Sexes similar. Large and slender. Gray overall, and slightly darker above; unstreaked; bold white eye-ring; white outer tail feathers; and a pale rusty wing patch. Juveniles are mottled gray and white.

Behavior: Often seen sitting upright, usually high on a branch, from which it sometimes fly-catches.

• Habitat: Breeds in rather dense coniferous forests in mountainous areas. Found during migration in wooded slopes with plenty of juniper berries. Uncommon to locally common spring and fall migrant in west.
• Where in Nebraska: Locally common winter resident in western and central Nebraska. Vagrants seen east to Missouri River in winter.
• Fun Facts: Both male and female are very territorial during winter to keep other birds from eating berries off their juniper trees.