Siskin or Greenfinch ?
 

Hi all
My friend sent me this image, he reckons its a Siskin, I disagree, its a Greenfinch.

Your comments please.

Roy.

its a greenfinch - you're right.
James

Yes, Greenfinch. For one thing the Siskin has a relatively delicate bill for a finch: it's still a seed-eater's bill, but not nearly as heavy as the stonking hooter in your pic. For another the wing bars on Siskin go across the wing, unlike the Greenfinch's yellow stripe down the edge of the wing. There are other differences too.

I think your friend is concentrating on the dark crown and ignoring all the other features such as facial makings, bill size, wing markings etc.

Definitely a Greenfinch.

Most kind of you all to reply with your comments, I have just posted this info to my friend. Bet he still does not believe us, I was arguing with him earlier today. I even showed him this picture of a male Siskin taken in our garden early spring this year, which I have attached.

Many thanks

Roy.

If he still argues, ask him why the Greenfinch hasn't got the Siskin's black streaks on the flanks (clearly visible in your pic)!

If numbers of "votes" helps here another for greenfinch. No doubts.

Well he has accepted your expert advice but it was hard for him to tell his wife...she was wrong. I pointed the black streaks out but he still would not have it at first.


Many thanks again.

Roy.