Canary (was - Bird ID please)

santasbird

This bird has been in my garden for the past 3 weeks feeding on niger seed. On two occasions I've been able to get quite close to it(within 3ft). Im wondering is it an escaped bird or some strangely marked something or other?

Mickeroo

I think it's a Siskin.

neil_hosey

greenfinch?

edit: actually maybe not

Desmo

neil_hosey wrote: »

greenfinch?

edit: actually maybe not

I would have guessed greenfinch too but it is odd looking?
In real life, Greenfinches look MUCH bigger than siskins but it is hard to tell size in a photo like this. Siskins usually have a bar or 2 bars across the wings while greenfinches usually have a green bar along the leading edge of the wing. It does look odd in that it has neither of these features. It does seem to have a big bill (too big for siskin). It is maybe an escapee alright?

santasbird

Actually the first time I saw the bird it was with this one, a siskin I believe?

Ulmus

Looks too "lumpy" for a siskin. Probably Atlantic Canary/cagebird escapee.

Desmo

santasbird wrote: »

Actually the first time I saw the bird it was with this one, a siskin I believe?

Yes!

Pie Man

A serin in winter plumage maybe?

google images

santasbird

Funny enough for the past couple of weeks Ive also come up with finch/siskin/serin and canary. I think the white stripe behind the head and white tail maybe odd markings. Here's another view. Heavily streaked on the back.

thebishop

Its a canary.

V_Moth

santasbird wrote: »

This bird has been in my garden for the past 3 weeks feeding on niger seed. On two occasions I've been able to get quite close to it(within 3ft). Im wondering is it an escaped bird or some strangely marked something or other?

The bird is a Canary, almost certainly an escape from a local aviary. It is very closely related to the Serin, but the latter is only a very rare visitor to Ireland (mainly in spring).

santasbird

Thanks everyone for your help, it was really doing my head in.