Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah

Rec. # 2017-74


Common name:

Common Redpoll

Scientific name: Acanthis flammea
Date: 12/17/2017
Time: 12:05 AM
Length of time observed: 3 mins ( 1 hr 15 mins total time )
Number: 1
Age: Adult
Sex: Female
Location: On chokecherry tree in backyard
County: Salt Lake
Latilong:  40.7027x-111.8010
Elevation: 4300
Distance to bird: 15 yds
Optical equipment: Nikon Monarch 7 8x42 binoculars
Weather: Sunny & 30'
Light Conditions: Good
Description:        Size of bird: Small - about 5"
(Description:)       Basic Shape: Finch
(Description:)  Overall Pattern: Light breast with bright red cap. Brownish back
(Description:)            Bill Type: Conical ( finch )
 
(Description:)                              
Field Marks and
Identifying Characteristics:
Female with bright red forehead & crown. Black throat. Breast whitish with some streaking. Brownish back. Dark eye. Notched tail. Whitish wing bars. I had just observed another CORE on 12/6 in Croyden @ Weston Smith's home that we had been able to view for a much longer time. Unfortunately this bird stayed only briefly. My friend observed it across the street in some brambles but was unable to get a photo due to denseness of bushes.
Song or call & method of delivery: Non used
Behavior: Sat on chockcherry bush briefly near feeders.
Habitat: 4 feeders next to chokecherry bush. Peach and apple tree next to large Walnut and Mountain Ash trees. Large Spruce tree within 10 ft. Sunflower chips, black-oiled sunflower seed & thistle feeders. Also peanut feeder.
Similar species and how
were they eliminated:
House Finch next to Redpoll have different reddish coloring on head & rump. They are larger also. The other birds present were American & Lesser Goldfinch.
Previous experience with
this & similar species:
See above
References consulted: Sibley & National Geographic
Description from: From memory
Observer: Vivian Schneggenburger
Observer's address: 3286 East Marie Ave. Salt Lake City, Utah 84109
Observer's e-mail address: **
Other observers who independently identified this bird: Lauri Taylor
Date prepared: 12/23/2017
Additional material:  
Additional comments: