Small bird i.d.

[Words]

I saw these up on the South Downs near Brighton today. I struggle enough with small bird i.d. when they are neatly perched, so I'm almost clueless when they are in the air. Any pointers on these appreciated.

[davecatt]

hi
Looks like a meadow pipit to me.

Dave

[valleyforge]

It's not my speciality either Words ... but I think they might be greenfinches ... the closed winged swoops are indicative of that species.

[Picidae]

1st pic Linnets
2nd Chaffinch

[Words]

LOL! Ok who do I trust here? I do reckon two species are involved (though I could be wrong). On that basis I'm tempted by Picidae's answer but assume the flock (2nd pic) is the linnets and the single bird (1st pic) is the chaffinch, not the other way around). Linnets does look good actually as the answer for that one.

[2dogs2000]

I thought chaffinch for the singular bird. Not sure on the flock though.

[Picidae]

As for tips (I'm not assuming I've ID'd your pics correctly btw ) - It's hard to ID birds in flight but I've found learning flight calls is really helpful as is learning flight pattern as well as trying to spot some key features:

some pics of Linnet in flight here:
Galleriet - Netfugl.dk

Very gregarious in flocking with slightly undulating flight and long tails.

Cf. Greenfinch, less notched shorter tails and heavier bills with a less 'rounded' shape to wing and slightly more pear shaped - tend to move a bit slower and a bit more disorganised than Linnet

http://www.birdphoto.fi/lajikuvat/ku...carchl190.html

Chaffinch are usually fairly easy to ID in flight - they show an extensive white patch (just visible on top half of wing in your pic) and a bold white wing bar as the second pic demonstrates with very clear white tail sides. (not unusual to get mixed flocks btw and if your eyes are sharp you'll spot a Brambling amongst the flock of Chaffinch in the link below!)

http://www.birdphoto.fi/lajikuvat/ku...fricoe316.html

[Picidae]

Originally Posted by Words

but assume the flock (2nd pic) is the linnets and the single bird (1st pic) is the chaffinch, not the other way around).

Yes that's what I meant! I looked at them out of order in the Gallery and forgot which was posted first in your thread!

[Words]

Thanks for the tips on what to look for. Some birds I'm ok with (skylarks, goldfinches), but it didn't help that the light was poor and all the colour was washed out. Both your i.d.s are highly plausible given the local populations.

[valleyforge]

Ah yes ... chaffinch & linnets ... I see now the error of my ways.

It also helps if I remember to zoom in on the photos ... but at least I was in the right ballpark.

Thanks for the usual informative pointers Picidae.