European Greenfinch – Brown

Description:

This sex-linked, recessive mutation was the first to appear in the greenfinch (as indeed in many other carduelines). In this mutation, the black eumelanin is transformed into brown.
The male has distinctly brown wattles and supercilium. The body is brown, with a darker tone on the back and flanks. The tail feathers and flight feathers are brown. The underlying colour is golden yellow and is particularly prominent on the flanks, rump and breast.
The female has a warm brown plumage, also with well-defined brown eyebrow stripes and wattles. Unlike the male, the yellow base colour is not apparent.

Gallery