Two new ones I have never seen

This afternoon I saw 2 birds that I never remember seeing. One was about the size of a cardinal with a greenish-black body; the head almost looked as if were hooded with reddish brown hood. There was a pair of cardinals at the feeder at the same time, thus the size comparison.

The other was a small grey/black bird about the size of a large sparrow; it had the body shape of a dove and walked as a dove would walk, not a hoppy type movement. The beak seemed long and slender.

Not very good descriptions I realize but am hoping someone might give a hint in direction to go for id. Could not find a look alike in any of the few books I have. Out of range of my camera.

Hi Gessie, I'll bump this up for everyone to see.

I fear it does need some pics. Try setting the camera to its highest resolution, and crop the pics down to show the birds. The pics may end up belonging in the "Awful Pics" thread ;-) but they may still be identifiable

Resin

The black one is back today. l tried to take a picture but was not really able even on highest resolution for my camera to get anything identifiable I am afraid. Maybe this will help.

See what you mean!! ;-) I'd say probably a Brown-headed Cowbird, but female Common Grackle also possible.

Resin

Resin, I think you are correct. The photos I find look very much like my visitor. The 2nd sighted yesterday was probably a female. One description says they would rather walk than hop. This is what I apparently saw the female doing. Thank you.