can anyone identify this bird?

[angelat]

Hello All,

Calling all you bird experts out there I have had to ask if anyone would know what this family of birds that I have had in my garden this morning. Seven or eight of them flew into my garden and settled in a high tree, possibly a family of them. They didnt settle in the lower branches more middle and upper branches. They were medium in size, looked black to me but the most unusual thing about them were that they all had what looked like pointed crests at the back of their heads. I have never seen a bird like this before. Any ideas what type they could have been?. thanks in advance

angela t

[Two_Sheds]

jackdaws, rooks?

[ginger ninger]

Sounds like a "Waxwing", there very beautiful birds and often found in large family groups.

[dogsbody]

Did they have long tails? If so they could have been long tailed tits. They flock and hop around higher up looking for insects etc. and make a lot of noise. Check out the RSPB website bird identification guide at The RSPB

[ginger ninger]

This is also a good site to look at "some" of our wildlife. Obviously Flamingoes & Elephants not included

Wildlife Nature Photo Gallery: Birds Mammals Reptiles Plants | PhotoBank NaturePhoto-CZ

[soyo]

Seven or eight of them flew into my garden and settled in a high tree, possibly a family of them. They didnt settle in the lower branches more middle and upper branches. They were medium in size, looked black to me but the most unusual thing about them were that they all had what looked like pointed crests at the back of their heads

sounds like ginger ninger is right...waxwings most possible. strangely, also not so shy birds as they are used to feeding around reindeers so dont seem to mind people - although can't see the how they could confuse people with caribou

[SueA]

I was thinking waxwings too because of the crest & if you weren't very close they could appear darker than they actually are. There are supposed to have been lots of them around this winter especially in supermarket car parks apparently because they love the berried bushes planted there! Haven't seen any round here although there have been reports of them in our area, would love to see some!