Identification of this bird

[Tongariro]

I wonder if anyone could possibly identify this bird for me. At the present time it is nesting in a nesting box in my garden.

Kind Regards

Tongariro

[rolf]

Ho Tongariro, welcome to the forum.

I think it's a Female Chaffinch, but it is difficult from the shots.

[Catherine]

It looks very like a female Chaffinch - although it could be a female Pied Flycatcher, as they use nestboxes. (I've never known a Chaffinch to use one!

The bird in the tree seems to bear the colours of the male Chaffinch however..... Are both of your pics of the same bird, Tongariro?

[ladylouise62]

I'd veer towards the Chaffinch, but Catherine does have a point about it also possibly being Pied Flycatcher. How's about that for sitting on the fence

[Tongariro]

It looks very like a female Chaffinch - although it could be a female Pied Flycatcher, as they use nestboxes. (I've never known a Chaffinch to use one!

The bird in the tree seems to bear the colours of the male Chaffinch however..... Are both of your pics of the same bird, Tongariro?

Thank you for your reply. The pictures are both of the same bird. Once the young have vacated the nestbox, will I be able to tell from the nest, the identity of the bird.

Regards

Tongariro

[Tongariro]

I'd veer towards the Chaffinch, but Catherine does have a point about it also possibly being Pied Flycatcher. How's about that for sitting on the fence

Will let you know when I eventually have a positive identification.

Regards

Tongariro

[Tongariro]

Ho Tongariro, welcome to the forum.

I think it's a Female Chaffinch, but it is difficult from the shots.

Sorry about the quality of the pictures, but will let you know once I have a positive identification.

Regards

Tongariro

[rolf]

If you get a chance of more photos then please post them, probably won't be able to tell from the nest, unless you can find some ejected eggshell.

[Tongariro]

Hi Rolf,

I have just taken these pictures which may help in the positive identification of this bird. The birds have now flown the nest and this is what we found in the box. The two eggs were intact.

I am wondering if it is a chaffinch why it would choose to nest in the box when we have many trees in our garden?

Hoping you may be able to make a positive identification for me.

Kind Regards

Tongariro

[rolf]

That's a shame, does happen though, how long ago did they leave? Eggs could well be those of a Spotted Flycatcher.

[Catherine]

Tongariro, please check this out;
National Nest Box Week - Which bird use boxes

Pied Flycatchers often use nestboxes with a hole as an entrance. Spotted Flycatchers usually use an open-fronted one - as a Robin does. The eggs, as Rolf says, look more like those of a Spotted Flycatcher, a Red List species.

As there is just a chance that the birds may return, please replace the eggs and the box - and keep your eye on what happens.

You never know..... Fingers crossed!

[Tongariro]

Hi Rolf,

The birds left the nest about 10 days ago.

Kind Regards

Tongariro