Bird ID needed

[Doug Kerr]

This past weekend Carla and her Red Hat Society chapter visited the Hondo Iris Farm and Gallery in Hondo, New Mexico (between Ruidoso and Roswell).

While there, she saw and photographed this bird:

Carla C. Kerr: Mountain Bird in Hondo, N.M. 1

Carla C. Kerr: Mountain Bird in Hondo, N.M. 2​

We hope that one of you might be able to identify its species.

Carla says "it was fairly large - perhaps the size of a small parrot".

The site is in southern New Mexico (about lat +33.38°, lon -105.27°) at an elevation of about 5230 ft MSL.

Thanks in advance for any info.

Best regards,

Doug

 

[Maggie Terlecki]

I 'm not a bird connoisseur, but not a bad googler :-D

WESTERN TANAGER (Piranga ludoviciana)
Wingspan 11.5"
Common summer bird especially in the riparian areas and higher elevation. Male has red head with yellow and black body. Female has yellow head and yellow and black body. Noticeably thick beak.

Here is a link, the top bird ... has all the same characteristics as your bird.
http://www.nps.gov/band/naturescience/summer-and-migratory-birds.htm

 

[Winston Mitchell]

Definitely a Western Tanager.

 

[Doug Kerr]

Hi, Maggie,

I 'm not a bird connoisseur, but not a bad googler :-D

Well, indeed! Thank you so much.

Best regards,

Doug

 

[Doug Kerr]

Hi, Winston,

Definitely a Western Tanager.

Thank you so much.

Best regards,

Doug