Juvenile goldfinches don't have the red face, it will develop as the GF matures. My guess, it's on the cusp of juvenile/adult.
fujiandhuaweitim said:Thanks Mike. I get juvenile Goldfinches visit every year and never seen one like this. This bird has been visiting for several weeks now and always looked this way. Your suggestion is definitely a possibility. If the bird keeps visiting the garden then I guess time will reveal the answer.
You're welcome.
I've managed to dig out a photo of a juv GF having a bathe on the pond fountain a couple of years back. You will see the resemblance, the orange being the early appearance of the red facial feature.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/peak-rambler/42122892485/in/album-72157667872360587/
Internetman said:Could be a pigmentation issue. I guess you’ll know if it keeps on appearing.
Good suggestion, though I had considered pigment issue, or even hybrid.
Really we needed more info and follow ups on that particular bird.
One thing I've struggled with on the web is obtaining good solid info on juvenile birds, and other animals, but it is there, just often harder to find while casting aside the dubious info.