Unusual Bird: Goldfinch with an erect and white tail
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I see this bird most days. It holds its tail unusally erect and the tail seems to have more white feathers than the other goldfinches. Its tail is always up like this (i.e. it doesn’t change position). It doesn’t seem to affect its flying that I can tell.
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5 comments on “Unusual Bird: Goldfinch with an erect and white tail”
Just saw one today April 11, 2021
I thought it was unusual a Gold Finch seemed larger and his tail was mostly white and erect.
Morning Jessica, I have one in my back yard. I’m on Cape Cod near Chatham. July 2021
Yes, there is a molted goldfinch with a white tail chowing down at one of my feeders. I had not noticed this one previously so i googled and found your post. Comforting to know the bird is ok and not diseased.
I have one in Farmville, VA. It isn’t holding its tail erect but it’s definitely white and different than the others! I hope it’s nothing bad after the bird sickness earlier this year.
Hi Christine, that is most likely a condition known as leucism. Leucism means that an animal is missing some pigment, which results in white or lighter than normal areas. It does not affect the bird’s health and is nothing to worry about.
Ava
I have one with a white tail too- actually a number with more white in tail than normal. Not holding erect. I am on South Shore Ma.