10 replies to this topic

[jblakelock]

This bird showed up this morning at our niger thistle feeder. It's pretty nondescript. It seemed scrawny too. My best guess is it's some kind of bunting. Seen in Pleasant Hill, CA. Thanks.


DSCN3952 by JJB1998, on Flickr

[Liam]

Maybe an immature Nutmeg Mannikin? Sorry, don't have my guide with me.

[JimBob]

Thinking House Finch.

[Liam]

No streaking+light coloration ≠ House Finch, imo. I'm not sure if Lazuli Buntings are around anymore, but I know Nutmeg Mannikins are - my cousin saw some in her yard in OC just today. Any photo showing the back might help; LAZB show wingbars, NUMA don't.

[creeker]

I think the streaking might be blurred in this pic. Lots of House Finches in Pleasant Hill (my brother lives there.)

[jblakelock]

thanks for all the input. We have a sunflower seed feeder just next to the thistle feeder. That's where all the House Finches hang out. Occasionally one will come to this feeder, but this bird seemed smaller than a House Finch. Based on Ebird Lazuli's seem to be gone and this is too far north for a Nutmeg (only a couple of sightings on Ebird). Here's two more shots of the bird each one worse than the one before (an Anna's slipped into one of the pics). My new thought is a real dull Lesser Goldfinch.



DSCN3953 by JJB1998, on Flickr



DSCN3951 by JJB1998, on Flickr

[LittleBird]

Could it be a female blue grosbeak?

[JimBob]

Judging by size (I know, bad idea) I would say it's too small for a Blue Grosbeak.

[jblakelock]

Just for kicks I measured the feeder. From the stand the bird is on to the top of the feedhole the bird is using is 2.5 inches.

[wildfelco]

immature lesser goldfinch (?)

[jblakelock]

immature lesser goldfinch (?)

That's what I'm thinking now too. I did see what looked to be juvenile lesser goldfinches later in the day. They had errant little feathers hanging off their shoulders and back. Thanks for the help.