Strange Bird

[Eastender]

I have just seen a strange bird in my garden and hope someone can help me identify it please, It was the size of a skinny pigeon, black and white tail and it body and head a brownish, to almost looking like a burnt orange. Never seen this kind of bird before. Thanks

[heathfield]

Sounds just like a Hoopoe
Global warming is said to be the cause of increasing numbers being seen in southern England.

[Buenchico]

Hawfinch?
http://www.garden-birds.co.uk/birds/hawfinch.h tm

For further possibilities, see here:
http://www.garden-birds.co.uk/birdgallery.htm
or click the links for likely families, here:
http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/fami lies/index.asp

Chris

[Ethel]

Jay?

http://www.naturephoto-cz.com/photos/mraz/jay- 05a03038.jpg

[sddsddean]

You don't mention the crest of a Hoopoe (which is pretty distinctive) so I'd say a Jay.

[Eastender]

Thanks have looked at all the sites and it looks it is a Jay. Merry Christmas.

[Thunderbird+]

I was gonna say Jay too. Save some nuts for it, he may come back! Merry Christmas.