Topic: Unknown Yellow Bird

[Twospot Ladybird]

I spotted an unusual bird in the garden this morning. A bit bigger than a House Sparrow, bright yellow (think lemon skin) with a black hood and a few black markings on the wings, no other obvious markings. I think it had a finch type beak which didn't show up against the black hood. The bird in question was on the lawn eating either bread or raisins (no other food present), heavy frost so don't think it would have found any insects. Tried to get a picture but in my excitement just managed a blur  :(

Any ideas anyone?

Suppose it could be an escaped pet!

[Palustris]

Have a look at http://www.garden-birds.co.uk/ and Greenfinch or maybe Yellowhammer.

[montanum]

Seems like a Yellow hammer to me also
                                       Montanum

[Twospot Ladybird]

Hi Palustris and Montanum,

Definitely not a Greenfinch or Yellowhammer, I know both these birds and most other common garden birds. This bird didn't look like any bird I've ever seen before whether in the garden, in the park or anywhere else outdoors. I've not seen anything like it in any book either this is why I think it could an escaped exotic.

I know light can play tricks but the light distribution was even. Pity about the blur that I managed to take with the camera. I will keep my eyes open and camera at the ready in case the bird returns. I might try and digitally enhance a picture and post it here to give an idea of what I saw.

[BAGGY]

We had a canary in our garden once.  Escapee from an aviary down the road.

[redimp]

You lucky b*gg*r - sounds like you may have had a siskin.  Not that common.  I will find and post a picture.

Here you go:



What do you think - read about them here: http://www.rspb.org.uk/birds/guide/s/siskin/index.asp
and here:http://www.garden-birds.co.uk/birds/siskin.htm

[Twospot Ladybird]

Sorry Redclanger but we get Siskins visiting regularly (don't get too jealous  ;D). Siskin is way too small, too much green (there wasn't any on mine) and not enough black on the head.

[redimp]

I've posted your query on a birding forum I use - did have me doubts about the size - it was the black that convinced me because size can be deceptive.

PS where are you because you have to be lucky to see Siskins around here.

[Twospot Ladybird]

Hi Redclanger, I live 10 miles south of Edinburgh and have lots of woodland nearby which contains Alder, Birch and Larch whose seeds are loved by Siskins. Having a Nyger feeder helps too  :)

As for the yellow bird, there was Starlings and Goldfinches nearby for comparison in size.  Will keep my eyes open in case it comes back tomorrow and will put the same foods in roughly the same places in my garden.

Garden is not very big but when birds feed on the lawn they are always within 20 ft of the window so can be observed really well.

The garden is also very open but with a few dense shrubs and trees nearby but because of the aspect (East South East) awkward shadows are not common so colours on birds are easy to see.

[growmore]

It sounds like a border canary to me   ..jim

[Carol]

If this bird had been a bit bigger and  starling size, it could be a Golden Oriole.  About 10 years ago, one passed through my area and rested in a nearby garden.  I too have siskins but we are in the same area Two Spot!!!!  I think its an escapee as well...


 ;) ;) ;)

[Donna]

Could it have been a coal tit?

[Twospot Ladybird]

Okay folks, I've been doing a lot of searching on the net using some of the leads given. Nearest I have come up with picture wise is these two:


this one

http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/resources/grzimek_birds/Oriolidae/Oriolus_larvatus.jpg/view.html

and this one

http://www.camacdonald.com/birding/WesternBlackheadedOriole(BL).jpg

Everything except the head on the first one, head more like second one but don't recall seeing anything but black and yellow on the tail.

 Not saying the bird was an Oriole of any sort but can't find any other pictures like it. If you get Canaries marked like that, I'd be more than happy to settle on Canary.

Coal Tit much too small Donna but thanks anyway.

[Yellow Petals]

It's got me baffled! LOL

I think Orioles tend to stay down South though, not that far North?

[Carol]

As I said above  YP  a Golden Oriole arrived up here as far as the Scottish Borders about 10 years ago, they do venture away from Darn saff now and then and get all the Bird Watchers like myself all excited.  Not common sight but possible.   ;) ;) ;)

[Robert_Brenchley]

Maybe an escaped cage bird? Not a golden oriole, they're bigger, the size of a green woodpecker, with a similar shape and flight.