Bird Species

Question
Hello!

Me and my family rescued a baby bird that our cats brought to our door. We didn't see a nest so we have been hand raising it. We are from the Southern California region. We have had it for about five weeks. When we found it, it had very few feathers and now it has all of them in. Its feathers are light and dark brown and on its head are stripes around its eyes. It has a white belly and its beak has yellow around it but most of the area is brown. Can you please identify this bird? Also, this bird sometimes flutters its wings, but we let it fly freely around one room. Do you know what this behavior means? Thank you!

Answer
Hello Jennifer and thank you for your post.
I am sorry that it took so long for me to answer you, but I had computer problems that are hopefully resolved now.
I really don't know what kind of bird you have, and wothout seeing a picture, it is almost impossible to determine.
The fluttering of its wings is exercise.  This is how birds keep their wings in shape for flight.  It is good that you do let it fly in one room.  This gives him/her the oppertunity to keep in shape.

Good luck and God Bless.
Dianna