Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah

Rec. # 201
2-09


Common name:

Common redpoll

Scientific name: Carduelis flammea
Date: March 28, 2012
Time: 9:20 a.m.
Length of time observed: 10 minutes
Number: 1
Age: -
Sex: female
Location: 955 East 1050 South, Spanish Fork, Deck feeder
County: Utah
Latilong:  
Elevation: 4,500 ft.
Distance to bird: 10 ft,
Optical equipment: None
Weather: Clear & Sunny
Light Conditions: very good
Description:        Size of bird:  
(Description:)       Basic Shape:  
(Description:)  Overall Pattern:  
(Description:)            Bill Type:  
(Description:)                              
Field Marks and
Identifying Characteristics:
It was a little finch with a dark, forked tail.  It had a small red cap, a dark chin and dark around the beak.  It had  a streaked back and sides, but the breast was clear
(see photo)
Song or call & method of delivery: I didn't hear it sing or call.
Behavior: It drank from the birdbath and then flew to the niger seed bag.  Its behavior was typical of a finch.  It would spend a few seconds on the feeder, fly to a branch and return to the feeder.
Habitat: Backyard.  Aspens with a feeder and a nearby birdbath.
Similar species and how
were they eliminated:
At first glance I thought it was a Cassin's Finch.  Then I saw how small the cap was.  I also noticed that the breast was clear except for streaks on the sides.  That sent me to a field guide to check on Redpolls.
Previous experience with
this & similar species:
No other experience with Common Redpolls.  I often have House Finches at my feeder.  Cassin's Finches come by in the Spring.
References consulted: "Peterson Field Guide to Western Birds"
Description from: Notes taken at time of sighting
Observer: Kathleen J. Blanchard
Observer's address: 955 E. 1050 South, Spanish Fork, UT  84660
Observer's e-mail address: jbede58@yahoo.com
Other observers who independently identified this bird: None
Date prepared: April 17, 2012
Additional material: Photo
Additional_Comments: