cthomas

11/11/2006
Tsim Bei Tsui 尖鼻咀
Leica 800mm + 20D
ISO200 f5.6 1/640s

Please help me ID this bird.

wgeoff

It looks like an interesting bunting but do you have any photos from the rear view showing the back, wings, tail or head?

tgraham

Thomas

I agree with Geoff it looks like a large Bunting.

Can you tell me exactley where you saw it at TBT ie which pond so I can have a look for it

Thanks

Graham

gary

Though I'm not very sure about the bird, I think it's a Baya Weaver.
The very dark flight feather may help identification.

Gary

lpaul

Looks like a juvenile Oriental Greenfinch to me.  But rather messy so a likely escape.

cthomas

Thanks for all reply!
Here is another photo that may help ID.

cthomas

[quote:06f73aa5ed="tgraham"]Thomas

I agree with Geoff it looks like a large Bunting.

Can you tell me exactley where you saw it at TBT ie which pond so I can have a look for it

Thanks

Graham[/quote]

Hi Graham,

  I saw it on the road which  on the side of Shing UK Tsuen.

Thanks!
Thomas.

hkinni

different angle of same bird
Tsim Bei Tsui
11/11/2006

lmichael

I can't see the first photograph but the ones which have now been posted look like a Black-headed Bunting - note yellow/buff undertail coverts and streaking on the crown. The condition of the bird is a bit of a worry though - photos which showed the condition of the tail and primary tips would be useful.

kmike

Hi Thomas

You bird is a Black-headed Bunting - a very good record - Congratulations!

I saw one at Ng Tung Chai for a few minutes a couple of weeks ago. It looks a little different to your bird as mine did not have the brighter yellow feathers on the side of the breast.

The features to identify this bird are:

large dark eye, very fine black streaks on the head and pale pointed bill.

This combination rules out all the pipits and larks, which have different-shaped bills, heavier streaking and a clear supercilium.

You also have to eliminate Common Rosefinch and Oriental Greenfinch - but neither of these is quite the same colour, Common Rosefinch has shorter bill and Oriental Greenfinch has a completely different wing pattern, with a strong yellow bar - it also shows yellow at the base of the tail.

Baya Weaver is more heavily  streaked on the back.

I do not know how to judge if the bird is an escape, but Ai wonder if the bright yelow feathers on the belly are the first signs of this bird moulting to adult male plumage?  I am interested to hear the views of other with more experience of passerine moult.

Cheers

Mike K