The Wandering Naturalist: Hoary or Common?

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Hoary or Common?

photo credit: Joey Reichhoff.

On Tues, I went chasing after a Hoary Redpoll that was seen in Madison. Even though I spent all morning at the feeder, this was the only bird that looked close.

So now I'm asking my readers for their opinion. Is this a Hoary? or is it an intermediate Common?

I have some ideas, but I want your input first. Post your thoughts in the comments.

Thanks!

Happy Birding!

3 comments:

Anonymous said...: Looks like a pretty typical Common to me. I'm not an expert, but compare the birds in this photo:

http://www.cst.cmich.edu/users/dietr1rv/birds/%23HoaryRedpoll.JPG; January 28, 2009 at 6:03 PM
David Bell said...: Yeah that's a pretty regular Common...Hoaries would never have that much streaking, but the sure way to tell is to look at the undertail coverts and the rump - these should be pure white or with only 1 or 2 small streaks. There are some birds that you just can't tell though.; January 28, 2009 at 7:59 PM
Chris W said...: Take a look at this photo: http://www.pbase.com/rbrady/image/94606389

That's a Hoary Redpoll.

What my bird is? I have no idea.; February 6, 2009 at 11:04 AM

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