Snow birds- the feathered ones?

[tmschuller]

What are the birds that hang out along the roadsides? Brown with white bellies. Seem to be around only when there is snow on the ground
My dad always called them snow birds. Been teaching grandkids about different wildlife and just wanted more information. Thanks

 

[hoosierdaddy1976]

These? Dark eyed junco.

 

[tmschuller]

Sorry no but I have seen those at the feeders and some that are gray with a little tuft of black on the top. Just filled the feeders this morning and found a turtle dove that was dead. Looked like it just fell asleep.. usually find a couple a year like that. Age or cold??

 

[4651feeder]

Lark?

 

[phylodog]

Sorry no but I have seen those at the feeders and some that are gray with a little tuft of black on the top. Just filled the feeders this morning and found a turtle dove that was dead. Looked like it just fell asleep.. usually find a couple a year like that. Age or cold??

Turtle dove or mourning dove? I've never seen anything but mourning doves here but I'm far from educated on the topic.

 

[tmschuller]

Sorry not a dove. I do know what those look like.. also I see them in flocks sometimes 20 or more.. they are about the size of a sparrow but a white breast.. saw the picture of the lark but not it either. I’ve tried to get a picture but they are always skittish

 

[phylodog]

Sorry not a dove. I do know what those look like.. also I see them in flocks sometimes 20 or more.. they are about the size of a sparrow but a white breast.. saw the picture of the lark but not it either. I’ve tried to get a picture but they are always skittish

Gotcha, I thought maybe I needed to start paying more attention to the doves.

 

[deo62]

Penguins?

 

[jerrob]

Penguins?

I believe those are indigenous to the Pittsburg area.

 

[hoosierdaddy1976]

Lapland longspur? Females are sparrow looking.

 

[hoosierdaddy1976]

Snow bunting?

 

[tmschuller]

Snow bunting?
View attachment 125756

That looks really close. I’ve never seen one up close before.. but thanks!

 

[Hoosier Carry]

Killdeer? I don’t think they are around yet but matches your description.. I’m interested in what you are talking about though.

 

[tmschuller]

Killdeer? I don’t think they are around yet but matches your description.. I’m interested in what you are talking about though.
View attachment 125845

Too big and legs are too long!

 

[AtTheMurph]

Horned Lark almost certainly. Lapland Spurs will also be with them on occasion.

See them on gravel roads in the winter.

If in northern IN could be snow bunting but never seen them south of about HWY 24.

 

[decalguy]

These? Dark eyed junco.
View attachment 125701

I always called them slate juncos, aka, snow birds. Ground feeders mostly but will use feeders too.