Documentation of Common Redpoll
2013-024

Observer Information

Reporter:  Tina Mitchell   
E-mail: 
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

Comments:
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Elevation: ~7000
Other Dates:
Nearest Town: Coaldale
Independent Observers:

Materials Available





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Date Documentation Submitted

1/19/2013 9:15:00 PM