Come on... who can name this bird....

[srandall]

First, let me begin by saying "I know next to nothing about identifying birds", hence why I am here :-). I do know however when I see something beautiful and different.

So, I was out running earlier this week and twice spotted a bird which was robin sized but with the following characteristics - predominantly yellow, white and black stripped head (kinda of zebra style) with black and white tail feathers. If I remember correctly the tail was a V shape. The bright yellow feathers combined with the b&w head really leapt at me.

Don't know if that all makes sense or if I'm talking rubbish - hopefully not - but I'd love to know what it is. I checked as many sites as possible but can't find anything that comes close.

Anyone have any ideas.

Thanks

Stewart

[clydebirder]

Sounds like a Goldfinch, it has a red face but in certain light this can look black

cheers, John

[srandall]

Thanks for coming back to me but don't think it was a Goldfinch - seen these many times before and when I saw this bird I had to make a double take and stop for a closer look. Also no red on head and more yellow on breast.

Than again, I'm no expert - although I'm starting to get interested in spotting. This is fascinating me.

I'll have to run the same route this weekend to see if it's still around.

[clydebirder]

If you've seen Goldfinch before it wont be them, I'm wracking my brain trying to think what it could be, where exactly was the yellow?

cheers, John

[bassist]

Worth a look at if you have a birding book or on line somewhere.!Peace.! Try using this http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/bird...fier/index.asp The whinchat male summer plumage seems to fit your description hope this helps.!Just be aware the pics you see when you use the RSPB identifier are just generic,in my naff opinion..........!see something that looks like THAT bird ,go find some photo somewhere.!Peace...!