michigan-bird that looks like small robin (1 Viewer)

[cgswss]

Is there a bird that looks like a smaller size robin and behaves a lot like a nut hatch? The bird I saw in a tree today looked a lot like a robin only was the size of a house sparrow. He hopped from branch to branch picking at the branches. He was very dark, had an orange breast. And two white bars on his folded wings. I only saw him for a few seconds and most of that time he was halve hidden by the buds and branches. Never saw his breast full on, but I got the feeling it had a dark strip coming up from the tail. He was chased off by a male blue bird.

I have never seen a robin this small or one that behaved this way. HONEST I have not been drinking.
Any bird I might look up to see if it looks like what I saw

 

[dan8402]

Possibly a Red-Breasted Nuthatch?

 

[cgswss]

no but closer then i got

Looked that up but I know it didn't have the white eyebrow and it did have 2 white strips on the folded wings. Thanks!

 

[Phil Carter]

Oriole of some kind?

Phil

 

[cgswss]

still stumped

Looked thru my book twice and the closest I can find in looks is the Bay breasted warbler in “spring male” colors BUT it did not have white back of the head, and according to the book, they aren't suposed to be around here I hope he comes back so I can get a shot of him

 

[KenM]

It sounds like an adult female or non-breeding male Bay-breasted warbler...these wouldn't have a pale contrasting nape. The two white wing bars and 'sparrow size' might suggest a Dendroica over most other groups?

cheers

 

[bcl05]

American redstart?

 

[MichavdB]

Eastern Towhee?

 

[Jeff Hopkins]

Blackburnian warbler

 

[Ypsi]

Bay-breasted Warblers are passing through Michigan now. That could very well be what it was.

Jim