Need help with two AZ bird IDs (1 Viewer)

[merryslug]

I'm not familiar yet with wstern US birds, and could use some serious help!

I was in AZ this spring and found quite a bit, including these two birds that I can't ID yet. I realize there's not a lot to go on, but any help is appreciated.

Bird #1:
Saw this one at Boyce Thompson arboretum outside Pheonix.

 

[merryslug]

Bird #2

Bird #2:

Saw this one on a trail just below the Mongollan Rim. Not a lot to go on, I know...

 

[fugl]

#1. House Finch

 

[merryslug]

#1. House Finch

Must be the yellow variant?

Thanks fugl!

 

[Jim M.]

It's a tough photo, but I'm thinking Western Bluebird for bird#2.

Best,
Jim

 

[merryslug]

Arrggghh if only I had a better lens!

 

[fugl]

Must be the yellow variant?

Thanks fugl!

Yes. In my experience, there are usually a few of the yellow/orange variants about in most places where House Finches are common, though I don't know about Arizona specifically.

 

[Richard Fray]

I'd agree with both those IDs. Yellow variant House Finches are quite unusual down here.

 

[Lisa W]

I actually see quite a few yellow variant house finches in my area. See a number of orange variant also.

 

[sunsluv]

Picture #2

Looks like a Yellow-headed Blackbird

 

[Lee Woodie]

The second one looks like a Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) to me

 

[Richard Fray]

Having looked again, I'll stick with the original ID for both birds, meaning the second bird is an adult male Western Bluebird.

It's a really odd pose with odd lighting, but everything fits for Western Bluebird. The bill is far too long for a blackbird or cowbird and rules both out. The head is small, the body shape good for a bluebird. The pale coloration is red/orange, right for Western Bluebird, and is concentrated on the upper breast and neck, which fits Western Bluebird but not a blackbird or cowbird. The rest of the head and body appears blueish.

I don't think there's any other bird it could be.

 

[rockfowl]

Hey Rich,

Just a quickie from an old Leicester 'boy', your link, the signature bit to your impressive Fun Birding Tours doesn't actually work

Keep up the excellent work, see you soon.

Best

Mark