What bird was it?

[zasker]

Out mountain biking yesterday near the Brecon Beacons and in some wooded area saw a blackbird on a tree but from what I could see had a red strip down it's back and also had some red on it's head. Would say it was small to medium in size. Can't see anything that looks like it in the RSPB book. Anybody got any ideas?

[Simpo Two]

A moorhen with hydrophobia?

[Trefy5]

GSW?
(male)Greater Spotted Woodpecker? depends how much of it you did see

[mrsshpub]

A chough?

[zasker]

Sorry neither of those, to much white on the woodpecker and not enough red on the chough.

[mrsshpub]

A redwing?

[daved]

Crossbill maybe - or are they too red?

[zasker]

Was thinking of a crossbill but from what I saw there is to much red on a crossbill. Will have to check with my mate again as he might be able to recall more information. He has also checked a book he has for european birds and couldn't find anything to fit the bill.