FINCHforum

So I found some goldfinches locally that someone is looking to give away and I was wondering if someone here had any tips on guesstimating their age.

I usually go by looking at their feet, usually young birds have clean shiny feet and as they get older look more scaly and darken.

I suppose I do this with most birds that aren't banded, but if anyone has anything they look for and care to share I would love to know.

The feet theory is not a good indicator, as if the bird is kept in poor health the feet will look as if the bird is old and is not.