Bird Identification: Goldfinch or Pine Siskin?, 1 by Chillybean

Chillybean wrote:
It seems I cannot convince Resin it\'s American Tree. That\'s ok. :)

Threegardeners, if you see a bird with a bill that has black/gray on top and yellow on the bottom, rusty shoulders, rusty colored line from the eye, that is an American Tree Sparrow. Lighting and individual variations of the bird can make them look quite different, but those are the markings I rely on. Also the spot on the breast for the most part, but I have seen a few Tree Sparrows without this or it is very faint.

I posted a picture from some years ago that show the different markings.

Rarely are Chipping Sparrows in Iowa for the winter, but on occasion it happens. It is doubtful we would see them in our yard in the winter because our habitat is very open. They are usually gone by mid-November. Here are the range maps for these two birds to see what is \"normal\". Birds don\'t know they are supposed to follow these, so at times there are oddities.
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