Identifying Birds

[MrsLadyBug]

Hi have been trying to find the breeds of bird I saw recently in my garden.
Have checked several sites but can't find it.
There was a pair of small, about robin sized, pecking at the weeds growing in my gutter!
They were dark brownish with white patches over the eyes, a white thickish collar, and I think a blue patch on top of head.
Didn't get a chance to take photo, unfortunately.
Never seen them before and they don't match any pictures of tits or finches that I have looked at.
Any ideas anyone.

[Tilly2]

Have a look at this. Mrs LB.
http://www.birdfieldguide.co.uk/Reed_Bunting.html

[MrsLadyBug]

No it's not that.
Still been looking and the closest I can get is they may be juvenile blue tits.
Markings similar but colour different.
Have many tits frequenting garden but never seen a young one so close up.
They were quite small so maybe babies.

[Tuvok]

I think the link provided has just identified the birds I've seen - in their winter plumage.

[Tilly2]

Blue tits are much smaller than robins.

[MrsLadyBug]

Yes Tilly on reflection they were smaller than robins and not as plump as them or the adult tit.
Have window overlooking porch roof and often see wagtails or others checking out for small insects or whatever.
Will keep an eye open, would love to see them again, but if they are babies they may well be bigger next time.

[Prudie]

Well depending on your definition of blue my first thought was house sparrow, the males have a very bluish grey head.

[Gizmonster]

Have you tried this:

https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/identify-a-bird/

[MrsLadyBug]

Thanks Giz, but yes one of the sites I have looked at.
Could be helpful if it had more options to their questions.
There wasn't an option for roof!
Prudie that was my first thought but markings are very different.

Thanks anyway, will keep my eyes open in case they come again.

[melv16]

They sound like dunnocks to me.