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ID this bird description only

15 years ago

Can someone help me ID this bird? Bird seen near thistle feeder in the greater Portland, Oregon area. Is there a finch or sparrow there would have two rows of feathers, or two feathers that stand up on the head like the ears of an owl? I saw this bird from the back and noticed it because of these two raised feathers or rows of feathers that for all the world looked like a miniture owl, but of course it wasn't. It turned so I could see that it was just a little brown/grey sparrow/finch type bird. Because I was so captivated by the little "feather horns", it flew off before I could realy look at it for ID characteristics. I didn't get a good look at the beak or eye area. I thought perhaps it was a baby with a mix of feathers or possibly some sort of mating or posturing position. Typically I have house finches, pine siskins, gold finches, wrens, bewick's wrens, sparrows, nut hatches, chickadees, red shafted flickers, downey wood peckers, and hummers. Has anyone noticed this before? I guess it could have been the wind as it was a bit breezy but they were so symmetrical and prominent it leads me to believe that it is a specific feature of this bird. Any thoughts?

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Comments (6)

orrin_h
15 years ago
The only thing that comes to mind is Horned Lark, but I would think you'd have noticed the black face and breast markings. Also not really a feeder-type bird that I know of, usually found in open field-type habitat.

-O-
Elly_NJ
15 years ago
Fledgling house finch?

Here is a link that might be useful:
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lucypwd
Original Author
15 years ago
well, the horns were definitely more like the head of the lark, but you are right I would have noticed the specific markings of a mature male. Horned larks are not really in our area except rarely in the winter. Streaked larks are around but I have never seen one. Probably more likely would be juvenile house finch since I have oodles of finches. thanks
dzyg
15 years ago
Fledgling House Finches often have little tufts of feathers on either side of their heads. I have seen this often. Most likely what it was. First time I saw it I too wondered what it was but it was so close it was an easy id.

Donna
lisa11310
15 years ago
I have a TON of House Finch fledglings right now and they all thave the little horned thing going on. You can ID them by sound, they sound very simmilar to the dreaded House Sparrow when they are babies.
lucypwd
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks for the links. After looking at the numerous pictures of fledgling house finches, I am certain that is what I saw. Also, the behavior of not actually feeding from the feeder but calling to the birds on the feeder makes sense. Thanks to all of you.

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