Another white headed finch

by Bill
(Greenville, Pa)


This finch was spotted in Western Pa. hanging around with a number of goldfinches.

Comments for Another white headed finch

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Nov 18, 2014
 Snow Bunting NEW
by: Bill

I checked Sibley's for the snow bunting. It looks like the right coloration on the head for what I saw, but not so much the breast. Maybe in the process of changing from summer to winter colors, like the goldfinches? They also said the snow bunting is larger than the goldfinch and I didn't see that much difference. I thought I had a picture that showed it alongside of a goldfinch, but I do not.
Nov 17, 2014
 White Headed Finch??
by: John P

One additional comment about the white headed finch that may infact be a Snow Bunting.

The picture of your bird appears to be a male as it is white on the head and more dark on the bottom. Underparts may also show white when it flys away.

Female has more light brown coloration mixed with white on head and top of body.

Both the Junco we see here and the Snow Bunting are in the snow bird family.

John P - Cottage Grove, MN
Nov 17, 2014
 White headed finch
by: John P

I may be wrong but I have never heard of a white headed finch.

I believe this bird may infact be a Snow Bunting which is identical in its markings except for the summer months when it also has a white streak runing through its wings.

During the winter months it is said to lose the white streak and the wings are totally dark like this one.

Pennsylvania also appears to be within their winter range so that matches up also.

In Minnesota we have a bird similar in size known as a Junco or "Snow Bird" which is slate gray on top with a white breast.

John P. - Cottage Grove, MN
Nov 17, 2014
 Finch ID
by: Bill

It was the size and shape of the goldfinches that it was hanging around with. So I assumed it was a finch. It was taking its turn a the thistle feeder.
Nov 17, 2014
 another white headed finch
by: Brook

Are you positive it is a finch? How many have you seen?

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