The Lincolnshire Bird Club

Small couple of finch-like birds at the feeder earlier on today, the like of which I've not seen before.

Both were smaller than a goldfinch, and had grey-blue plumage with a prominent thick wingbar stripe and the usual black & white finch-like tail markings. Both were tucking into the Niger seed.

I am guessing that they might be either Siskin or Redpoll as both are niger-eaters..... can anyone help?

Hi Katherine

I recently posted photos to the "Common Birds" album of Siskin and Redpoll both of which have been on my garden feeders. Have you looked at these and were they anything like the birds you saw. The description you give doesn't quite seem to tie up but both are possible visitors to your garden feeders and the photos might help - if not I am at a loss to suggest another alternative!

Trevor

They sound like Chaffinch's

Juveniles?

Males

Katherine,
At this time of year, it is difficult to distinguish birds hatched last year (juveniles) from older birds. Generally, they replace most of their body feathers and difference in other feather age (ie greater coverts) can only be seen in the hand. A notable exception is the contrast of chocolate brown to black feathers on male Blackbirds which can easily be distinguished at close quarters. From your description they do not sound like either Siskins or Redpolls.

Katherine. Have you tried Linnets??

Cheers Brian.