Identification please

[dbrooker]

Can anybody help me identify this?

It has a red beak, white head with a black face. Red ring around the eyes, light brown breast. Is it an escaped cage bird?

It's been visiting the garden for a couple of days now...

Thanks

Darren

[wildone]

Hello Darren, yes I'm afraid it is an escaped Foreign bird. Sorry I cannot ID it for you.

[Eileen]

It's some kind of finch and almost certainly an escapee. Can't find it in my bird books though. Hope it manages to survive.

[Tragus]

Well I like a challenge, and this was a challenge to identify
I found a site with a similar bird, but I think the plumage may be slightly different due to breeding times throughout the year.

This photo if you click on it (the left photo) in the link shows a redbilled Quelea bird!

This may be worth recording with the local bird group in your area, or contact the RSPB. It is either an EXTREMELY rare migrant (doubtful) or an escapee.

http://www.mangoverde.com/birdsound/...pec192-89.html

Hope this helps
Tragus

[Helen]

More than likely an escapee. I'm sure the word would be out if it was a rare migrant!

There seem to be more and more photos of escapee birds lately.

[dbrooker]

Thanks for the ID, it certainly looks like this one. I suspect it's an escapee.

Unfortunately I haven't seen it for a while now :-(

[Tragus]

Glad to be of some help

Tragus

[Helen]

Originally Posted by dbrooker

Unfortunately I haven't seen it for a while now :-(

Probably turned out to be a tasty meal for the local sparrowhawk