Is this a saffron finch? (Florida) (1 Viewer)

[Ivy P]

Dear All,

My sister in law sent me these pictures she took of her feeder in her front yard in central Florida. She said this is a saffron finch from South America. I looked up saffon finches and I'm not sure. Is she right? Or is this a summer tanager?

Thanks

 

[THE_FERN]

I'm finding it surprisingly difficult to tell because of the quality of the images. Are we sure they're all the same bird?

...The first image looks better for the tanager with its relatively unpatterned upperparts and elongated appearance. Bills (especially) of the other 2 are better for the finch: I find it almost impossible to tell what the upperpart patterns really are.

 

[nartreb]

I can't see the bill (or anything else) nearly well enough to judge between those two species.

When were the photos taken? It's a bit early for summer tanager to be in Florida, which might favor the finch (they are sold as pets, so an escaped bird is a strong possibility).

 

[Bewick]

Painted bunting seems like the most likely option, do not see anything that would suggest either the finch or the tanager over a female Painted bunting.

 

[raymie]

I agree with Painted Bunting.

 

[Ivy P]

Painted bunting seems like the most likely option, do not see anything that would suggest either the finch or the tanager over a female Painted bunting.

Thanks so much! I know my sister in law saw a male Painted bunting at her feeder last week.

 

[Ivy P]

Thanks very much everyone. I appreciate your help. Sorry about the quality of the pictures. My husband said that we should give my sister in law a new camera.