Chaffinch.
Greenfinch.

I uploaded these two photos and asked Claude to identify both birds above, like this: identify this bird seen eating flax seeds in Waikawa Beach, Horowhenua, New Zealand. 🐦

I had my suspicions and they were confirmed when Claude replied:

This appears to be a chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs), specifically a male chaffinch based on its coloration. The bird has:

  • A pinkish-orange/buff breast and face
  • A bluish-gray head cap
  • A distinctive perched posture on what looks like a dried flax seed pod or similar plant

Chaffinches are common in New Zealand, though they're not native - they were introduced from Europe in the 1860s. They're known to feed on seeds, including flax seeds, which aligns with your observation at Waikawa Beach in the Horowhenua region.

The setting of dried seed heads against the blurred green background is typical of New Zealand coastal and wetland areas where flax plants (harakeke) are common.

And for the second:

This appears to be a greenfinch (Chloris chloris), another introduced species in New Zealand. You can identify it by:

  • Its predominantly yellow-green plumage
  • Compact, finch-like body structure
  • The positioning on the dried flax seed head (harakeke)

Greenfinches were introduced to New Zealand from Europe in the 1860s and have become well-established throughout the country. They particularly favor seeds, including those from flax plants, which explains why you've observed it feeding at Waikawa Beach.

Like the chaffinch in your previous image, this bird is taking advantage of the abundant seed resources provided by native New Zealand flax plants, despite being a non-native species itself. Greenfinches have strong beaks well-adapted for cracking open seeds.