On my tv aerial was a small bird, resembling a sparrow in song (but lovlier twittering) looked slightly like a robin in body; I didn't think it had a beak like a sparrow. When I looked through my binoculars, which are not that strong, I could see the bird's body was 95% white, with 2 fawny/bone patches on its chest, and with a red forehead and chin, and black on the top of its head. I could only see the front, but it did puff itself up and I could not see any colour on its wings. Its tail was longish-at least 2/3 of its body length, and did not stick up like a wren's. Its beak was pointier than a sparrow from what I could see. I could not see its back at all.......and then it was gone! I've looked throught my trusty (older edition of) What Bird Is That?, and could not find any bird at all with the same colourings. Any ideas please anyone? (South Eastern Suburb of Melbourne.)
Hi Birdiewot,
Could possibly be a European Goldfinch we are also in the south eastern subs of Melb and they have visited us a couple of times. They also visit my mum at Cranny.
Or perhaps one of the swallows or martins? (Welcome Swallow; Fairy Martin; Tree Martin etc).
If it had a red forehead and chin, I would say a Welcome Swallow is most likely (compared to one of the Martins).
Does sound a bit like a European goldfinch, could you see all its wings? We saw a few of them when we were down there recently.
Meave
For some reason I think Andy is right, the Welcome Swallow has the most beautiful song, and fits the description.Did the bird look like this W Swallow?
M-L
I posted a reply before, but I can't find it, so I'll post it again.
Thanks all for your replies. This bird was definately not a swallow or martin of any kind as it did not have a forked tail nor the elongated, tapering wings, nor those colourings. This bird's wings were white like the rest of its body, as described, except for the red on the forehead and chin (which did not extend down its neck at all). There was a black patch on its head, 2 fawny/bone patches on its breast, and the rest was all white. I thought it, too, resembled a Goldfinch in shape and beak, however its beak was a bit more pointy and did not have the colourings of a Goldfinch at all. Its probably a mutant sparrow!
Thanks again, will keep searching!
Bear in mind too that we're in a time of year when juveniles may be getting around.. Not sure what European Goldfinch young look like, but I'd still be putting my money on that from your description so far...
Cheers,
Scott.
This is a European Goldfinch - any help?
Meave
Well it might help if I put the photo in!
Meave
Thanks ScottTas, if it is a juvenile, then it was a very confident one - twittering away happily and with no sign of parents. And Meave, thanks for that photo, still it only looked about that size, and looking at your photo, my bird's tail was straight at the bottom and didn't really have a finch's beak; it was more pointy. I've even tried comparing it to the honey eaters, but again cannot find a match. Thanks again, it all helps. :-)