Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2013-30
| Common name: |
Common Redpoll |
| Scientific name: | Carduelis flammea [Acanthis flammea] |
| Date: | March 3, 2013 |
| Time: | 8:30 and 10:00 am |
| Length of time observed: | 10 minutes total |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | adult |
| Sex: | male |
| Location: | 10th east, approx. 1650 n , North Logan |
| County: | Cache |
| Latilong: | 3 |
| Elevation: | 4,620 ft |
| Distance to bird: | 15-20 ft |
| Optical equipment: | Swarovski 8.5x42 |
| Weather: | overcast, light rain |
| Light Conditions: | flat, no shadows |
| Description: Size of bird: | goldfinch |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | finch |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | brown streaking, red "poll", pink chest |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | finch |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
A goldfinch-sized bird (Am. goldfinches around for comparision), smaller than
house finch. Back, nape, face largely streaked with brown on lighter background,
two white wingbars, white edging of secondaries, brown tail, whitish undersides
with blackish streaking on sides and flanks, extensive pink on chest, red "poll"
cap, black eye, broken white eyering, black chin patch, black lores, and black
largely surrounding conical yellow bill. (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | none heard |
| Behavior: | feeding on ground on sunflower seeds |
| Habitat: | residential scattered trees, shrubs, lawns. |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
The only closly similar species is hoary redpoll. The individual observed had a relatively large bill, was much too brown on back, did not exhibit extensive protruding black feathering covering base of bill, did not have extensive white coverts, had extensive dark pink on chest, and did not have overall "frosty" appearance. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
Have seen this species in Utah, Montana, Wyoming, Michigan, Alaska |
| References consulted: | Sibley |
| Description from: | From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | Ron Ryel |
| Observer's address: | North Logan, UT |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | none |
| Date prepared: | March 3, 2013 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional_Comments: | Common redpolls were seen at same location Nov 23, 2012 (5 birds-photos available), Feb 28, 2013 (1 bird). |