The subject of your photo is a molting male Purple Finch. Possibly a HY individual, but the bird strikes me as an adult in post-nuptial molt.
Steve M. Chorvas Saugerties, NY ----- Original Message ----- From: deidam623 To: [email protected] Sent: 08/16/2010 9:02 PM Subject: [MidHudsonBirds] House or Purple Finch? Ok everyone, I need your bird expertise! :) I have been going through my photos from Friday and a photo that I originally thought was a House Finch looks more like a Purple Finch upon closer inspection. I have provided the photo for review on my blog: http://deidam.wordpress.com/2010/08/16/house-or-purple-finch/ I have never seen a Purple Finch before, so I want to make sure I identified the bird correctly. If a Purple Finch, it would be the 92nd bird I've photographed in Dutchess County, which is why I am excited for the possibility of it being a Purple Finch. Here is my reasoning: - The tail is clearly notched and appears somewhat short, which is characteristic of a Purple Finch. - The brown streaky flanks that would be on a House Finch appear to be absent, providing more proof that it could be a Purple. - The biggest thing keeping me from saying 100% that it's a Purple is the lack of red on the head and back. Sibley's shows extensive red. Is it possible that it is juvenile or am I over analyzing my subject? ------------------------------------ To visit the Mid-Hudson Birds web site go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MidHudsonBirds Post message: [email protected] Subscribe: [email protected] Unsubscribe: [email protected] List owner: [email protected] Yahoo! Groups Links [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
