Spiddal (west coast Ireland) birds on stone wall ? (1 Viewer)

[Thegeezer9999]

Went for walk down by the seafront and encountered a few birds sitting on the stone wall. They were browny colour body but very distinguished coloured head, red, black with white stripe. I am fully familiar with goldfinch and although size was similar, definitely not goldfinch. I thought maybe stonechat or winchat but they don’t really fit colour wise. Any suggestions given the habitat ?

Thank you to all who respond

 

[stevethehydra]

Stonechat sounds plausible for the habitat, if the "red" was more orangey/rusty red (like a Robin's breast).

If it was more pinkish red, maybe Linnets? They don't really have black on them though - but they are similar in size and shape to a Goldfinch but with different colours, and the habitat would also fit.

 

[Thegeezer9999]

Stonechat sounds plausible for the habitat, if the "red" was more orangey/rusty red (like a Robin's breast).

If it was more pinkish red, maybe Linnets? They don't really have black on them though - but they are similar in size and shape to a Goldfinch but with different colours, and the habitat would also fit.

Came up close and personal with some stonechats on a wander the day after, so going to have to settle for them. Beautiful bird but weird call !!

Thank you for the response !