What type of bird is this?
By sedel1027
@sedel1027 (17846)
Cupertino, California
August 25, 2008 4:43pm CST
We always put out seed for the outside birds on our balcony. We usually have a family of cardinals, maybe a mocking bird or two. Yesterday, this bird was on our balcony. I am pretty sure it isn't a cardinal just based on its shape and lack of orange beak.
Any clue to what it could be?
1 response
@aidenofthetower (1814)
• United States
25 Aug 08
It's a finch. The finches are related to the cardinals and have the same beak shape. They tend to be smaller then the cardinals, but there are a few larger varieties. Not knowing how big this one is I would say it is probably a house finch, but it could also be an orange finch, it is hard to tell in this photo.
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
26 Aug 08
Don't finches have a different body shape and a orange beak?
@aidenofthetower (1814)
• United States
26 Aug 08
I believe it is the beak shape that defines a member of the finch family (though I could be wrong). As for color their beaks come in a wide range of colors and there are even a couple with blue beaks. Body shapes vary according to the kind. I would suggest that if you are interested in learning more about the birds in your area that you pick up a regional bird book. You can learn about so many different types of birds and find identifying local birds can be fun!
