Hi, I identified an unusual bird this morning as possibly a White winged Crossbill. Sorry no pic. It was feeding on the peanut feeder. They usually feed on conifer cones so my question is, would they ever feed on peanuts? I'm in County Antrim.
Crossbills don’t eat peanuts. How are you identifying it?
Just from pictures online. The white markings on the wings were very similar to one of the photos I saw. I'm now wondering if it could have been a bull finch, though again, I don't see that they eat peanuts. It didn't stay long.
Was it the male or female bird you saw, ie the brown one or the red one.
It could have been a Chaffinch or a Greenfinch. Both use feeders extensively, although Chaffinches aren't really nut feeders.
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Richard B
Thanks. If using the internet, make sure you only use UK sites. Otherwise, searches will throw up all sorts, much of which is unrealistic. Depending on the type of perch on your feeder, chaffinch is most likely IMO re obviously white wing markings.
I'm pretty sure there was a chaffinch on the other side of the feeder and it looked different/ bigger....but hey it was all very quick. I'm away for 4 weeks now but when I return I'll keep an eye out. Thanks for your help and interest!
Thanks Richard, think I need a 2nd viewing of this one!