Redpoll :) id?

Zoundz · #1 (**permalink**) 06-01-2009, 02:55 AM

Just curious as to what sort of redpoll this is

I saw it in my parent's garden about 3 weeks/month ago - and it was alone. Not flocking with any of it's own species, or for that matter any other as far as I could see. Equally, I've never seen it before, or since.

not for want of looking.

any thoughts

I can't tell one redpoll from another

i'm as bad with them as i am with waders, warblers, pipits, larks..... the list continues!

sorry the photos aren't good - he didn't hang around long!

he had a very black face - if that helps? and a white belly.

xx

aeshna5 · #2 (**permalink**) 06-01-2009, 04:31 AM

The white wing bar + slightly frosted appearance make me think it's a Common (Mealy) Redpoll, though is browner than some so also looking a bit like our breeding Lesser, though this normally has buff wingbars.

John · #3 (**permalink**) 06-01-2009, 06:25 AM

I agree with aeshna5 to a point. I also think it is possibly a Common (Mealy) Redpoll but I err on the side of a 1st winter bird as it appears to lack the pinkish hue to the breast on your photos.

I have to say that I'm not totally confident with my ID though.

John

Zoundz · #4 (**permalink**) 06-01-2009, 09:49 AM

hmm... thanks for that

I have no idea either - any more thoughts apreciated!

xx

Picidae · #5 (**permalink**) 06-01-2009, 01:10 PM

Its a Lesser Redpoll for me.

Here's why I think so:

1. Overall rich brown tones (Common appear more grey/cold looking)
2. Heavy brown streaking on the flanks (finer on Common)
3. Warm wash on upper breast
4. Ok obvious wingbar, but this isnt unusual
5. Looks small (esp pic 1) and less bulky than Common
6. Small pointed bill (see pic 1) with straight lower culmen

Redpoll ID can be extremely tough

- esp as there appear to be many integrades. It's certainly not an arctic/hoary though!

Separating on plumage alone can be tricky but the bill shape in Pic 1 plus generally shape of bird is a fairly good indicator. Worth bearing in mind, the default ssp for Britain is Lesser. Although this time of year it's possible to get one or two Common's amongst the Lesser flocks.

I wouldn't stake my life on it though!