smittyone@cox.net Posted September 23, 2020 Share Posted September 23, 2020 Seen this afternoon north of Omaha, NE. I believe both of these American Goldfinches are molting adults. Or at least molting into adult plumage. Is the lower bird more yellow because it is simply further along in the molting process? Or is the lower bird a male and the other a female? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smittyone@cox.net Posted September 23, 2020 Author Share Posted September 23, 2020 Bump? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin Posted September 23, 2020 Share Posted September 23, 2020 @Tony Leukering Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Leukering Posted September 23, 2020 Share Posted September 23, 2020 The indistinctness of the white tail spots indicates that it is a young of the year and, if that is correct, then a male; compare to the more-distinct tail spots on the right bird (which should identify it as an older bird). Immature males will not obtain any bright yellow plumage until the prealternate molt in spring. The blackness of the wing of the left bird also suggests that it's a male. At least, that's what Pyle 1997 says. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smittyone@cox.net Posted September 24, 2020 Author Share Posted September 24, 2020 So, if I understand correctly...both are first year males with the one on the right being slightly older and/or further along in the molting process? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.