Outdoor Ontario

Request for Information => Bird ID => Topic started by: Niloc on July 11, 2009, 10:18:27 AM

Title: ID help please
Post by: Niloc on July 11, 2009, 10:18:27 AM

Saw this little Red bird he was far so the pics aren't great but would be interested to know what this is any help would be appreciated - cheers...

http://www.colinmarcano.com/photo2991246.html#photo (http://www.colinmarcano.com/photo2991246.html#photo)
http://www.colinmarcano.com/photo2991254.html#photo (http://www.colinmarcano.com/photo2991254.html#photo)

Title: Finch?!
Post by: The Observer on July 11, 2009, 11:52:44 AM

I'm still a learner but I believe this is a Purple Finch.
Although very similar to a House Finch, the amount of red on its back and around the tail are what lean me towards it being a Purple Finch.

Title:
Post by: Niloc on July 11, 2009, 12:58:55 PM

Actually your right I found a pic on the internet and then I also remembered from my Audubon book description..

Title:
Post by: Bluffs Birder on July 11, 2009, 02:04:06 PM

Hi Niloc and The Observer,

I'm by far no expert in bird identification but this is what I've learned so far...

Your bird in question is infact a House Finch.  The red "headband" is a clear giveaway, Purples have red (more pinkish/purple) colouring all over their heads.  The crown (top of the head) is more brownish in colour on a House Finch, as you will notice in your first photo.  The dark streaked flanks (just below the wings on the sides of the belly) are also a fairly good indicator, Purple Finches usually have very light or no streaks on their flanks.  The amount of red colouring in the feathers can vary greatly within a bird species, I've seen both ends of this colour variation at the feeders in the backyard and yes it confused the Hell out of me too!, I had them marked down as Purples for the longest time.  The amount of colour on the House Finches, as well as all other bird species, is due to several factors including such things as; whether or not it is a subspecies bird, their diet, and the overall health of the bird.  Colouring is not always the best indicator of a species.  Hope this helps you.

Happy Birding!
Walter

Any comments, suggestions, or criticism always welcomed.

Title:
Post by: Niloc on July 11, 2009, 03:39:58 PM

Walter I beleive you are correct the pics on the internet of the House Finch look closer than the pics of the Purple Finch now that I have conpared the 2...thank you both for your feedback so glad this site is up again, I will have to get a closer pic and better picture next time - cheers.

Title:
Post by: Kin Lau on July 11, 2009, 04:47:16 PM

I agree with House Finch as well.

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Post by: The Observer on July 12, 2009, 08:26:53 AM

I stand corrected with gratitude. Your detailed information will be helpful! Now to see one...

Title:
Post by: Bluffs Birder on July 13, 2009, 11:48:23 AM

A very useful book (best in my opinion) National Audubon Society's "The Sibley Guide to Birds" for bird identification can be found at eNature's website for FREE!  Check it out.

http://sibley.enature.com/home.asp

Happy Birding!
Walter  :D