Posted by David Sparks on February 4, 2010 at 6:10 AM
These birds are listed in my version of Sibley as Exotic Finches. Sibley states that small populations have been established in southeastern Florida since the 1980s. Also known as Spice Finch or Spotted Munia.
According to our local Audubon newsletter, they seem to now be established in Pensacola, FL in the panhandle of the state.
I thought forum members might be interested in seeing a photo of these Exotic birds. The photo is a large crop. The birds were in a tree in my backyard. This is the third time I've spotted them in my neighborhood, but the first time I've seen them in the open and not obscured by branches and shadows.
Posted by Richard Ditch on February 4, 2010 at 12:07 PM
Thanks for posting this. There are a lot of exotics established in the warmer parts of this country - FLorida, southern CA, and here in AZ. It is worthwhile keeping track of them as eventually some of them will be so well established that they become part of our ecology like House Sparrow and European Starling.
Discussion
2 repliesAccording to our local Audubon newsletter, they seem to now be established in Pensacola, FL in the panhandle of the state.
I thought forum members might be interested in seeing a photo of these Exotic birds. The photo is a large crop. The birds were in a tree in my backyard. This is the third time I've spotted them in my neighborhood, but the first time I've seen them in the open and not obscured by branches and shadows.