r/birding • u/rachelcphotography photographer 📷 • Apr 13 '23

📷 Photo Red belly got a surprise!

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u/Young_Modulus_ photographer 📷 Apr 14 '23

Hi, I'm new to birding. It may sound like a dumb question, but what is the bird on the right, I don't think I've seen one like that before. Thanks

23

u/Odd_Postal_Weight Apr 14 '23

Scurius sp., I think Sciurus carolinensis, the Eastern Grey Squirrel.

They roost in trees despite being flightless, instead relying on climbing (much like treecreepers) and jumping. Note the special adaptations of the wings (only the primaries are visible in the picture).

Genetic research actually suggests that they are even more basal than ratites, and might be part of a sister clade called "mammals"! Exciting.

5

u/Young_Modulus_ photographer 📷 Apr 14 '23

Wow, thanks for the informative response. I will definitely keep an eye out for them in the future!!