I caught this little mystery finch on my fence the other day. I assume it’s a House Finch because of the curve in the upper mandible of the beak, but the color has thrown me off a little bit. Normally, with House Finches there is streaking on the breast area. If you notice on the belly there does appear to be some streaking, but not nearly what you would usually see on a House Finch. There is also no streaking on the face either.
After posting on Reddit about my other mystery bird, I’m thinking that this bird might also be a partly leucistic? That would explain the coloring a little bit. I’m unsure if leucism would explain why there isn’t brown on the breast/belly but there is brown on the tail feathers. I think it’s odd that it’s not completely devoid of brown.
I’m unsure of what is going on with the pink and orange staining that is going on on the front of the bird. Perhaps, it’s just dirt or juice from something else? It doesn’t appear to be the actual feather coloring, although it does appear to be the most natural around the face but that would be the area that would probably get stained the most.
I would love anyone’s feedback/thoughts/suggestions.
Thanks!
Here is a close up of the little guy.
Birding Ninja 
this could be a House Finch. I photographed an orange-coloured one late last year, and I think diet plays a strong part in their plumage colouration. the females, of course, prefer the males with the reddest colouration. 🙂
http://lilmisspoutinessegues.wordpress.com/2014/02/06/house-finch/
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I assumed that it was a stain, I didn’t even consider that it might be something weird its been eating. Your photo coloring is really similar to my bird, so I think you might be right.
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I just saw the same bird in my garden in Carlsbad – more orange than pink – very finch-like in appearane
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That’s really cool that you saw the same bird. I haven’t seen it again, so maybe it’s moved permanently to that area.
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I have my camera available in case he/she shows up again
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Please post a pic if you manage to get it!
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ok – I will
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