Can anyone help me identify this bird?

[stevemac]

Hi,

I have just had a little visitor to my garden and wondered what it was.
It was like a robin (same size,red breast) but had a black neck and a white face!
I thought at first it had a piece of bread but it was definatly not this and was part of its face.
I did'nt have enough time to get my camera but wish i had been able to.
Has anyone any ideas what it was?

[Pumpkin Becki]

My RSPB friend says it sounds most like an American Robin

American Robin - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Does that look anything like it? You could try the RSPB website, they have an identifier facility which is very good.

[NSB]

male chaffinch

[stevemac]

definately not a chaffinch

[Sweepster]

*looking in book...*

Redstart?

[poly]

Stonechat? although note quite as you have described.

[stevemac]

Thanks becki

The identifier on the rspb site is really great.
I think it may have been a redstart? or maybe your friend is correct and it is an american robin .

I used to do a little "birding" a few years ago so know some birds (thats why i dont think it was a chaffinch.It was the bright white face which caught my eye on this one.

[marialittlebzz]

A redstart ??

[stevemac]

*looking in book...*

Redstart?

The illustration on the rspb site of the male redstart looks a bit like it.
My camera is normally in the kitchen but of course i moved it elsewhere yesterday.....sods law.

I just wish i had got a photo,there's so many cats in this street that any sane birds get out quick!!! so i doubt it will be back.

Thanks for the help folks

[Eyren]

Unlikely to be an American Robin, as they are a) very rare visitors and b) as big as a blackbird!

A redstart seems far more likely, and since partial albinism (random white patches) is not unknown in blackbirds, which are related, that might explain the white face!

[Birdie Wife]

Whinchat? Very like a robin except for the facial markings.

[bubblewrap]

Anything like this? (Linnet)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/animals/...y26_linnet.jpg

[stevemac]

Again thanks for the replies folks

I do think now that it was a redstart and think eyren's explanation for the white area sounds plausible.
I only had a look at it for 20 seconds or so.I just hope it returns soon so i can get a photo.

[digthatchick]

Sounds like a winchat to me, does it look like this?

[stevemac]

Sounds like a winchat to me, does it look like this?

The problem now is that my mind is now playing tricks on me!!

It may well be a winchat but my memory has the red belly as being a bright red rather than a dull red/orange that the winchat seems to have!!