Small Bird (1 Viewer)

B

bobsofpa

Well-known member

• Apr 30, 2004

• #1

These photos were taken on Apr 20th in eastern Pennsylvania. Can someone id this bird?

Bob

 

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Andrew Whitehouse

Professor of Listening

Supporter

• Apr 30, 2004

• #2

Hi Bobsofpa,

I think this is an American Goldfinch. It's a bird moulting from winter to summer plumage (I think maybe a female but others may like to confirm this). That explains the patchy plumage on the underparts and mantle.

 

Rasmus Boegh

BF member

• Apr 30, 2004

• #3

I'd have to agree with the American Goldfinch. Especially note it being quite unicoloured (thereby ment not streaked) and the wingpattern - these are both rather good features (when combined that is) for this species versus other Siskins/Goldfinches that are possible in North America.
It's probably a male as the wingbar is quite distinct.

 

Warbler

Warbler Watcher

• Apr 30, 2004

• #4

Yes, it's an American Goldfinch, probably a male because the wing bars are pure white (the female's and imm.'s would buffy). The black and white wings and forked tail are some of it's distict markings.

 

Michael Frankis

conehead

• Apr 30, 2004

• #5

Fifebirder said:

It's a bird moulting from winter to summer plumage.

Click to expand...

Hi Andrew,

Ooops! . . they don't have a spring moult, they get summer plumage by feather wear, the pale buffy tips break off to expose the bright yellow & black bases of the feathers for the summer plumage.

Very clever, it means a nice thick winter coat with camouflage colours for the cold winter, and a thin jacket with bright colours for the summer, all from just one set of feathers

Michael