Documentation of
Common Redpoll
2013-023
Observer Information
Reporter:
Thomas Litteral
E-mail:
Other Observers:
none; Tresa Moulton, different feeder location.
Species, Date, Time and Location Information
Species:
Common Redpoll
First Date/Time:
12/28/2012
Last Date/Time:
12/28/2012
Duration (total time in view):
15 minute
County:
Routt
Specific Location:
500 Steamboat Blvd. (private residence)
Number:
65
Age:
Unknown
Sex:
Multiple Birds - Mixed
Plumage:
Other/Unknown
Habitat
Gamble oak - aspen tree brushy hillside near residential feeder station. Seed is typically spread out on railing and deck to enhance feeding.
Viewing Conditions
Optics:
None required. 10x Zeiss binocs.
Distance:
10 feet.
Light:
Bright sunny day.
Description of the Bird
Small finch, with red forehead, black bibs, and moderate striping on sides. Males have strong wash of rosy red on chest and sides. Bills are yellow, undertail coverts have some striping.
Behaviors: Travel as flock when approaching feeding station, and while on site. Typical finch feeding behavior on both niger and safflower seeds provided.
Call: Typical of redpolls in flocks.
Plumage: Adults & juvenials
Similar Species Discussion
Hoary redpoll. There are pine siskens and Cassin's finches also present but these are easily identified by comparison (the red top knot is a strong giveaway). So far, after long examination, none exhibit the overall paleness, unstreaked undertail coverts, and lesser black bib as expected in a Hoary redpoll.
Resources Used
Sibley's, Nat. Geo. and assorted other guides for Common/Hoary comparisons.
Previous Experience
I have previous experience in Routt County with Common redpolls.
Date Documentation Submitted
1/18/2013 1:50:00 PM
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