Expert: Julia Booth - 7/10/2008

Question
QUESTION: I live in southern california. I have several basic birding books. But cannot locate this bird. I'm sure you can do it.

Light brown, tail sticks straight up. Here's what makes it unique. It's has a white patch on it's wings. When catching insects on the lawn it fans its wings open and shut, when socializing it flashes the white spot. Also, this bird is loud and complaining. In a group they complain at the other birds especially hawks and jays.

ANSWER: Okay, with the light brown, tail sticks up and eats off of the ground part, my first thought is the California Towhee. But they have no white patch. When you say patch, what you might actually mean is a "bar". The only bird that will take on larger birds and be aggressive about it is the Northern Mockingbird. If it's neither of those, I'll need more details -size, shape of bill, etc.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: looked up picture of northern mockingbird and I believe that's it. I'm looking for a picture that would show the white bands.
Thanks for pointing me the right way.

Answer
The white wing bars are underneath and usually only visible while they are in flight or -like you said- spreading wings.

Honestly, the mockingbird is the only one stupid enough to take on a Raven or a Hawk. I've seen them do it and win out of sheer tenacity.

Always glad to get a positive ID.

Julia