Unknown finch-like

by Jon
(Seattle (Capitol Hill))

For the past few days, a bird, about the size of finch (although not as stocky), with a yellow-orange beak, black crown, grey-fawn breast, and brown wings. I have not seen this bird before and is a recent arrival to the garden. I have not been able to photograph the bird.

Comments for Unknown finch-like

Click here to add your own comments

Nov 14, 2012

Bird identified
by: Jon

The mystery bird has been identified as a dark-eyed Junco (female).

Nov 14, 2012

White-crowned sparrow
by: Jon

The size of the white-crowned sparrow is about the same as the bird in question, although, perhaps, slightly larger. The bill is longer an more slender and definitively yellow. The crown is fully black, not striped as with the white crowned sparrow; and the plumage coloration is darker. I do have the white-crowned sparrow in the garden, and the difference between the two is discernible. I am beginning to think that this bird is not common to the region, although there appears to be a sizable number a present.

Nov 14, 2012

White-crowned Sparrow
by: Judy-Seattle

Hi Jon. I checked my Puget Sound bird book. Your description matches a White-crowned sparrow. Next time you see it, look for a white stripe on top of its head bordered by the black stripes. My book mentioned the yellowish-orange bill.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to What Is This Bird?.