bird with orange and black head

[farm]

seen a bird feeding with blue tits with an orange and black head never seen before.

bout the size of the tits and looks like a giant bee any ideas

[sddsddean]

Goldfinch?

http://www.rspb.org.uk/birds/guide/g/goldfinch/index.asp

for a picture

[Robinia]

Yes I would have suggested goldfinch too.  What area are you?  I'm sure Cetti will be along soon - she's a very knowledgeable birdy person & if not a goldfinch she'll probably suggest something else!

[Cetti]

Dear noddy I wish I had your confidence, as bird identification can be  a minefield!

I would go along with you two and say Goldfinch, although it's little face has been  likened to a clown, and  being dipped into a pot of strawberry jam (Bill Oddie's description) - with no orange at all - the size is right though. Goldfinches tend to move around in small parties during the winter months, but there could be an odd one that's following the Bluetits for food.

Two other possibilities  - are Siskin - male black crown and yellowy face, or the male Brambling, black head mottled with orange - also orange on shoulders. Both birds are the right size but  the Brambling is slightly larger.