Dark-breasted Rosefinch

I'm glad I could help. I was told very early in the piece that the most important thing is to record the spotting. Great photos aren't a prerequisite for a good spotting. Anyway, this is a great spotting, and the photos are fine. They are good enough to make an ID from, and this is what you saw on the day. All of these challenges make it very special, so be proud :)

Great job Neil. Comparing the picture on your link (Male at 12,000 ft) with the blown-up picture Sukanya took, I see it now. Either fog or distance really diminished the brightness of the reds on the nape and breast. Good job, and again Sukanya, great spotting.

I saw lots of pictures of Rosefinches and I didn't think the colors were even close to your photo. Don't you just love a good mystery? :-) I'll be watching. Thanks.

Lovely spotting, Sukanya. That is a handsome little bird. The beak is unusual for a finch species, looking somewhat narrower than most others. Still, it is a true finch. I've made a suggestion for you, so hopefully it helps to ID your spotting.

I was concerned because it didn't look like it had webbed feet :-) I've been searching but I can't find anything like the picture. Hope you can ID it.

:-)

Hi Sukanya. I was looking to see what part of India you found this bird. Either PN's map is off or this is a sea-faring finch :-) At least on my computer it shows your spotting out in the middle of the ocean :-)