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Unusual Bird in Northern California

Last post 02-20-2008, 1:38 PM by barredowl. 8 replies.
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  •  02-19-2008, 6:25 PM 25002

    Unusual Bird in Northern California

    Attachment: marked.jpg
    My friend Carolyne has a bird feeder in her backyard, and this past weekend, during the Great Backyard Bird Count, we spotted this unusual-looking bird.

     We are in Belmont, California (ZIP code 94002), which is approximately 20 miles south of San Francisco; the area is identified as a Coastal Oak Community.

     The "Expert Guide" on this site initially identified it as a House Wren, but the beak looks nothing like that of a House Wren.  Perhaps this bird's beak is malformed?

    This is a photo of the unusual bird at the feeder; opposite this bird (on the other side of the feeder) is a female House Finch, for comparison.  The unusual bird is on the left, "circled" in red.  If anyone has any information about this bird, please post a message...we've looked in guides and we're stumped!  :-)

    Thank you for helping us solve this mystery; we anxiously await your response! :-)

     Sincerely,

    Danelle and Carolyne 

     

     

  •  02-19-2008, 6:33 PM 25004 in reply to 25002

    Re: Unusual Bird in Northern California

    Attachment: Unusual3.jpg

    Another photo of our unusual friend:

     

  •  02-19-2008, 6:35 PM 25005 in reply to 25002

    Re: Unusual Bird in Northern California

    Attachment: Unusual2.jpg

    A third photo of our unique visitor:

     

  •  02-19-2008, 6:39 PM 25006 in reply to 25002

    Re: Unusual Bird in Northern California

    Poor thing!  I feel like it is another female finch with a deformed beak.  Was it seen eating anything?
    Matthew 6:26
    James 1:2-5

  •  02-19-2008, 6:43 PM 25007 in reply to 25006

    Re: Unusual Bird in Northern California

    Hi there!

    I think it might be a deformed finch as well, but I really don't know.  It was eating---eats quite a bit, actually.

    Thanks for your response! 

  •  02-19-2008, 7:03 PM 25009 in reply to 25007

    Re: Unusual Bird in Northern California

    You've got it, a female House Finch with a deformed bill. This does happen pretty rarely, but this is one scary looking bill!

  •  02-19-2008, 7:20 PM 25010 in reply to 25009

    Re: Unusual Bird in Northern California

    How does such a deformity occur?  Genetics...disease...environmental toxins (or "D-all of the above"?)

    Carolyne just found a site through Cornell called "Project Feeder Watch"--I'll be sending them these photos.

    This one seems to manage just fine; she holds her own at the feeder and poses nicely for my camera(!)  

  •  02-20-2008, 4:46 AM 25018 in reply to 25009

    Re: Unusual Bird in Northern California

    Ephily:

    You've got it, a female House Finch with a deformed bill. This does happen pretty rarely, but this is one scary looking bill!

     

    I'd have to agree.  I've never seen that.  Poor thing. How in the world does she crack a seed?

    Don't cry because it's over, smile because you were there.

  •  02-20-2008, 1:38 PM 25042 in reply to 25005

    Re: Unusual Bird in Northern California

    Yes, a female House finch with a deformed bill.
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