Brown sparrow-size bird with yellow flashes on thorax below wings (1 Viewer)

[ex-surfer]

In my Oakkham, Rutland garden I saw a brown, sparrow-size bird with yellow flashes on thorax below wings flutter up from my path and cling to a house wall still fluttering so that I could see its bright yellow flashes. once it decide where to head it flew round the corner and after a few seconds I followed it. I just caught sight of it leaking off the path into shrubs. I suspect from its behaviour that it was a fledgeling.

Google was no help at all in identifying

 

[Alexander Stöhr]

Hello,

welcome to Birdforum!

Have you considered a Goldfinch? Yes, the yellow is on the wing (and therefore no offense towards your observation) , but your description of a brown bird with yellow fleshes reminded me of this species and juveniles lack the red face.

Anyway, when you see a drab (brownish, olive, subdued grey) sparrow sized bird with bright=neon yellow or green tones than its good to consider a finch.

Another option with more subdued yellow bits is a Yellowhammer, but they regular have either the head as the most evident yellow part or the breast/belly is as yellow as the head.
Here is one with the most yellow bits on the belly (Hirschfeld, NE-Germany, 16.06.2024)



(Another option with subdued yellow in the area you described is Blue or Great Tit, but they have a striking head pattern and greenish or blueish upperparts)

Welcome to Birdforum again!

 

[Kits]

Welcome to Birdforum.

It does sound as though it could be a goldfinch.

 

[Lisa W]

Hi ex-surfer, welcome to the forum on behalf of the staff and moderators. I think you will find us a friendly and helpful group.

 

[Fritz73]

Hola! Welcome to Birdforum

 

[Chris G6 UXU]

Hello and welcome to the forum, enjoy and all the best.