Carduelis chloris - spring

Greenfinch

AGE – BEST CRITERIA:


Autumn criterias are still applicable, though 2cy are more affected to wear during the winter than adult. Moult contrast present in the wing of 2cy, generally among outer GC (or between GC and PC) and sometimes also in RR and TT. Adult birds show a uniform plumage without moult contrasts.


2cy: 
  • Often show moult contrast in outer GC: Slightly worn post-juvenile inner GC are denser, more neutral grey and often clearly longer than the notably worn juvenile outer GC that often show loose and pale grey-buff tips. A few show less extensive moult and the contrast is then found on the inner part of the arm. Others have included all GC, and the contrast is then found towards the still juvenile and worn PC.
  • Juvenile RR are slightly more pointed and more worn than adult ones. Many individuals have moulted single or several RR and then exhibit moult contrast among RR. Note that a few individuals include the whole tail in the post-juvenile moult.
  • 0-3 TT is included in the post-juvenile moult. Post-juvenile TT are slightly worn and more grey (males) or greyish-brown (females) than the notably worn brownish juvenile ones, and the latter also contrasts well to the moulted inner post-juvenile GC.
  • Juvenile PC are generally less dense, more dark brownish worn in tip and centre and less brightly coloured in the green/grey outer vane.
3cy+:
  • Uniform plumage lacking any moult contrast.
  • Whole wing and tail slightly worn, but still in better condition than juvenile feathers in 2cy, with denser feathers and better gloss.
  • Tips of RR generally slightly more blunt and broader.

2cy male April. A bird showing a rather restricted post-juvenile moult, with GC1-7 (as well as GC10) still juvenile, in contrast to post-juvenile GC8-9. [2KS80341]

2cy female April. All GC are moulted post-juvenile and the contrast is seen to the till juvenile PC. [2KR44253]

3cy+ male May. Uniform wing with no contrasts. GC and PC still in relatively good condition. [2KS80353]

3cy+ female March. Uniform wing with no contrasts. GC and PC still in relatively good condition. [2KS80312]

2cy female April. Moult contrast is often present in the tail of 2cy; R1 (both sides) and right R2-6 are still juvenile showing more pointed and brownish tips compared to the post-juvenile left R2-6 (blunt, fresh and black tips). [2KR44253]

2cy female April. Whole tail unmoulted juvenile. [2KS80332]

3cy+ male May. Whole tail uniform and (comparatively) fresh post-preeding. [2KS80353]

3cy+ female March. Whole tail uniform and (comparatively) fresh post-preeding. [2KS80312]

2cy male April. All TT are juvenile but unusually well kept (as are the inner SS - the bird have stayed very fresh over the winter). In most 2cy birds with juvenile TT, the contrast to the post-juvenile inner GC is more obvious than seen here. [2KS80327]

2cy female April. The central T is moulted post-juvenile (like the inner GC), while the other two TT are worn juvenile (with a similar state of wear as the SS). [2KR44253]

3cy+ female May. Uniformly post-breeding TT (as well as SS and GC). [2KS80352]

3cy+ female March. Uniformly post-breeding TT (as well as SS and GC). [2KS80312]

2cy male April. Juvenile PC are rather worn brown in centre and tip, and slightly more frayed. [2KS80327]

2cy female April, showing another set of juvenile PC. [2KS80332]

3cy+ male May. Adult PC are fresher, with a glossy grey centre and a pale grey tip. [2KS80353]

3cy+ female March, showing female-version of adult PC. [2KS80312]

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