Documentation of
Common Redpoll
2013-24
Observer Information
Reporter:
Tina Mitchell
Other Observers:
Zell Lundberg;
Species, Date, Time and Location Information
Species:
Common Redpoll
First Date/Time:
12/8/2012
Last Date/Time:
12/8/2012
Duration (total time in view):
10 minutes
County:
Fremont
Specific Location:
38.381757 latitude
-105.79349 longitude
Number:
1
Age:
Unknown
Sex:
Male
Plumage:
Other/Unknown
Habitat
High-altitude pinyon/juniper habitat--predominance of pinyons.
Viewing Conditions
Optics:
Zeiss 10x40 binoculars
Distance:
10
Light:
Light conditions were good for observing from this position. Sun was still a bit east of the feeder, so it was easy to see details.
Description of the Bird
Small, siskin-sized bird. Bright red cap and dark area around the beak was easily seen. Heavy streaking on sides and flanks, unstreaked chest.
Behaviors: He was feeding at a thistle feeder about 10 feet beyond the window I was standing at. Very skittish, compared to the American Goldfinches and House Finches feeding there as well.
Call: None heard.
Plumage: adult
Similar Species Discussion
It appeared with 2 House Finches, 2 American Goldfinches, and 3 Dark-eyed Juncos feeding on the ground below the thistle feeder. It stood out easily from the House Finches, since it was noticeably more slight, had a dark area around the bill and a non-streaked chest and a wash of pink on each side. It clearly differed from a Pine Siskin (which we also have in our area) by the non-streaked chest with pink on it, the dark area around the bill, and the red cap.
Resources Used
I had been following the Cobirds discussions closely, thinking that we might see one in our area. I consulted the Sibley Guide to Birds both beforehand (to make sure I knew what to look for) and after (to make sure I had remembered correctly).
Previous Experience
I'm very familiar with our similar locals (Cassin's and House Finches, American and Lesser Goldfinches, Pine Siskins, Dark-eyed Juncos. I have not previous experience with Common Redpolls.
Notes
Notes made AFTER observation
Additional Information
Materials Available
No files uploaded.
Date Documentation Submitted
1/19/2013 9:15:00 PM