There are a few bird species that have grey heads and yellow breasts that could match the description provided. To identify the specific bird, we need to consider additional details about its size, shape, behavior, geographic location, and other distinguishing features. Some possibilities include:
Grey-Headed Woodpecker
The grey-headed woodpecker (Picus canus) is a medium-sized woodpecker with a grey head, yellowish olive breast and belly, and black and white barred back and wings. It is found in open woodlands and forest edges in western North America. This woodpecker forages on tree trunks and branches for insects and builds nests in tree cavities.
Northern Flicker
The northern flicker (Colaptes auratus) is a large woodpecker with a grey head, yellow underparts, and black spots on its belly. It has a distinct black “mustache” mark on its face. This species is found in forests, parks, and yards across much of North America. It feeds on the ground on ants and other insects and announces its presence with a loud calling and drumming on trees.
Grey Catbird
The grey catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) is a medium-sized songbird with a slate grey head, neck and upper breast contrasting with a yellowish lower breast and belly. It has a long black tail. Grey catbirds are found in thickets, woodland edges, parks, and gardens across much of North America. They get their name from their cat-like “mew” call.
Additional Details
To confirm the exact species, some additional details would be helpful:
- Size – Is it a larger or smaller bird?
- Shape – Does it have a long tail or short tail? Pointed or rounded wings?
- Behavior – Where does it feed? How does it move?
- Location – What part of the world was it seen in?
- Distinct markings – Any stripes, spots, or plumage details?
- Calls or songs – What sounds does it make?
Paying attention to these kinds of details will help zero in on the species identification. Consulting a bird field guide for the region can also aid in pinpointing the species. Providing any additional descriptive information will assist in confirming the exact bird.
Detailed Species Profiles
Here are more detailed profiles of the three bird species that could potentially match the grey head and yellow breast description:
Grey-Headed Woodpecker
Scientific Name: Picus canus
Size: 9-10 inches long with a 16-18 inch wingspan
Distinctive Markings:
- Grey head and neck
- White throat patch
- Yellowish olive breast and belly
- Black and white barred back and wings
- Red crown patch on head (male only)
Behavior:
- Forages on tree trunks and branches
- Probes bark for insects
- Drums on trees
- Nests in tree cavities
Habitat: Open woodlands, burned forests, parks, suburban areas
Range: Western North America from British Columbia to California
Northern Flicker
Scientific Name: Colaptes auratus
Size: 12-14 inches long with 22-26 inch wingspan
Distinctive Markings:
- Grey-brown head with black crescent on chest
- Black mustache stripe
- Yellow underparts with black spots
- Black and white barred back
- Red or black crescent on nape (depends on subspecies)
Behavior:
- Forages on the ground for ants and insects
- Hammers on trees
- Wedges open bark
- Calls a loud “wicka-wicka-wicka”
Habitat: Forests, woodlands, parks, suburban areas
Range: Widespread across most of North America
Grey Catbird
Scientific Name: Dumetella carolinensis
Size: 8-9 inches long with a 12-13 inch wingspan
Distinctive Markings:
- All grey head, neck, and upper breast
- Dark grey cap and crest
- Slate grey plumage
- Black tail
- Orange undertail coverts
Behavior:
- Forages low in shrubs and thickets
- Has a cat-like “mew” call
- Mimics sounds and songs of other birds
- Builds nests in shrubs and small trees
Habitat: Thickets, shrubby areas, woodland edges, parks, backyards
Range: Breeds across eastern and central North America, winters in southeastern U.S. south to Panama
Conclusion
Based on the details provided in the species profiles, the grey-headed woodpecker seems the most likely match for a bird with a grey head and yellow breast. However, the northern flicker and grey catbird could also fit this general description. Asking some additional questions about field marks, behavior, sounds, and location would help confirm the exact species identification. Consulting a bird field guide or bird expert for the area would also assist in making a positive identification. Key points to note are the grey-headed woodpecker’s distinctive black and white barred plumage, its tree-foraging habits, and its range limited to western North America.