Goldfinches red faces (1 Viewer)

[Chadwyck]

Probably a dumb question from a 'newbie' but can someone advise at what age / stage the young goldfinch develops its typical red face feathers?

We seem now to be inundated with goldfinches & their fledged broods & their youngsters are noticeably not 'clown faced'.

Thanx

Paul

 

[christineredgate]

Paul,hopefully someone will come along who can anwer your interesting question.I guess it is the same with all the juvvies.Their plumage takes time to develop,I would hazard a guess(albeit could be totally wrong!!!),that the male birds of most speceis,perhaps develop their bright plumage as they enter adulthood,and their time to find a mate.

 

[dantheman]

As soon as they try and catch their first worm - but they are seed-eaters of course and notoriously rubbish at catching worms - hence the red faces.... |:$|



Actually, I think it happens not long after they fledge during the autumn - they undergo a partial moult into adult plumage... but someone should be able to confirm for sure ...


btw, welcome to birdforum! There are course plenty of real experts here who actually talk sense ...

 

[stonechat1]

Probably a dumb question from a 'newbie' but can someone advise at what age / stage the young goldfinch develops its typical red face feathers?

[...]
Thanx

Paul

Juv. moult is likely finished in the mid of october, AFAIK

 

[sglynas]

My dad always reffered to young Goldfinches as "Grey Paites"
I have never heard the term for Many years now though.
it could go back to when they were caught as cage birds or maybe a local name

steve