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Expert: - 3/13/2010


Question

Finch?
Hello Roger,

My location is Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. A new type of small bird is showing up in my neighborhood which I have never seen before. I have attached a video (avi) of it. It is sparrow size with red head and brest. Can you identify?

Robin

Answer
The AVI does not work but the picture is clear enough to tell me that this is a House Finch. It is a bit north of its usual range but I'm seeing more and more of this phenomenon because of global warming - birds are being seen farther north of where they usually are found.
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThanks for your quick response. My online research with a canadian-ized website pointed me in the same direction. I tried to post a HD video I got with the bird singing but the site would not allow it. Although you got it right with just the single image. Thanks again! Robin


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Roger Lederer

Expertise

Any and all about WILD birds - the science of ornithology. Information about birdwatching, ecology, conservation, migration, behavior, banding, rehabilitation, feeding, songs, binoculars, identification, and careers in ornithology. No questions about pet or caged birds, please.

Experience

Have a PhD and over forty years as a professional ornithologist - research, teaching, author, speaker, webmaster of Ornithology.com . Have written thirty scientific papers, three bird field guides, a textbook in ecology and two recent books entitled "Amazing Birds" and "Birds of New England". Have traveled to over 90 countries watching birds.

Education/Credentials
PhD in Zoology/Ornithology; Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences; former Dean of the College of Natural Sciences at California State University, Chico

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