Richard Larsen Posted October 30, 2018 Share Posted October 30, 2018 This is a bird I found on July 8 2014 when hiking at about 12,000', in an area above Leadville, Colorado. It appears to be a Rosy Finch from online sources. I decided breeding adult Brown-capped Rosy Finch, but I got a different opinion from a 'bird-person' more knowledgeable than I. But, she agreed we should post on whatbird, and then I lost the memory card with the bird - but card has now been found. I placed two pictures of the same bird in this album, and would appreciate any more definitive comments than my 'I think'. Here is a link to the album. If the link does not work, if you right-click and sweep you should get an option to 'open link' - https://photos.app.goo.gl/oTtg19bpEmuzdL6XA Thanks. Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sfinmt Posted October 30, 2018 Share Posted October 30, 2018 Sure looks like Brown-capped. What was the other opinion? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Larsen Posted October 31, 2018 Author Share Posted October 31, 2018 The other options were extensive - her full quote was as follows - clearly she knows more than I. And, the 'females / immatures' confuse me more. But Brown-capped Rosy-finches are small and chubby. The photo looks slenderer, more like a thrush, and its bill looks longer than a finch’s. My first guesses were female or immature Townsend’s Solitaire, female or immature Varied Thrush (way out of its range – but they’re famous for wandering), or one of the pipits (Sprague’s or American). After consulting big Sibley, I’d go with American Pipit, non-breeding adult. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerry Friedman Posted October 31, 2018 Share Posted October 31, 2018 50 minutes ago, Richard Larsen said: The other options were extensive - her full quote was as follows - clearly she knows more than I. And, the 'females / immatures' confuse me more. But Brown-capped Rosy-finches are small and chubby. The photo looks slenderer, more like a thrush, and its bill looks longer than a finch’s. My first guesses were female or immature Townsend’s Solitaire, female or immature Varied Thrush (way out of its range – but they’re famous for wandering), or one of the pipits (Sprague’s or American). After consulting big Sibley, I’d go with American Pipit, non-breeding adult. That's a finch bill, and the bird looks just like the Brown-capped Rosy-Finch in Sibley. None of the other species are possibilities. Maybe she was looking a different photo? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoffclarke Posted October 31, 2018 Share Posted October 31, 2018 Agree with Brown-capped Rosy Finch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melierax Posted October 31, 2018 Share Posted October 31, 2018 (edited) Yeah, agreed - none of those other options work. Townsend's Solitaires are long and skinny and light gray with strong white spectacles, not to mention peachy colored patches on the wings. Thrushes are big-bellied birds with longer skinnier beaks. Varied Thrushes are bright orange with a strong supercilium. Pipits are much lighter than this and have strong stripes down the front. (Also their posture is kind of blackbird-like.) Just looking at this guy, make sure you keep in mind all of the characteristics. Measure the beak relative to head width. This guy definitely has that thick beak of a finch. Secondly, its shape is that of a finch. Tail length, body length, and the rest of the overall proportions look great (looks very "small and chubby"). Lastly, the coloration - very dark all over with distinctive rosy on the shoulders and belly. As far as females/immature, most of the time females or immature birds (fancy term for young) are blotchier and not as distinct as the adult males. Also, immature birds generally show a yellow gape which this guy obviously doesn't have. Just a photo of Rosy-Finches... notice how the one towards the front has his neck extended whereas the one in the middle is squashed down. Your bird is well within the range of a small and chubby finch to an extended finch. I hope this helps you and the "bird person"! Edited October 31, 2018 by Melierax 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akiley Posted October 31, 2018 Share Posted October 31, 2018 (edited) 19 hours ago, Richard Larsen said: The other options were extensive - her full quote was as follows - clearly she knows more than I. And, the 'females / immatures' confuse me more. But Brown-capped Rosy-finches are small and chubby. The photo looks slenderer, more like a thrush, and its bill looks longer than a finch’s. My first guesses were female or immature Townsend’s Solitaire, female or immature Varied Thrush (way out of its range – but they’re famous for wandering), or one of the pipits (Sprague’s or American). After consulting big Sibley, I’d go with American Pipit, non-breeding adult. Why exactly would she be suggesting American Pipit? Are we looking at the same photo here, just out of curiosity? If not, she’s probably not as knowledgeable of a “bird person” as you think Edited October 31, 2018 by akiley 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akiley Posted October 31, 2018 Share Posted October 31, 2018 5 minutes ago, akiley said: Why exactly would she be suggesting American Pipit? Are we looking at the same photo here, just out of curiosity? If not, she’s probably not as knowledgeable of a “bird person” as you think That should say “if so”, not “if not”. Not sure why we can’t edit posts after 5 minutes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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