What 's this.

[john robinson]

Comments welcome.

[Red-eyed Video]

Here goes. Your Redpoll looks too light to be a C.f.cabaret and not light enough for C.exilipes. The buffy upper breast, strong flank streaking and obvious undertail covert streaks also eliminate this species. C.(flammea) rostrata & C.hornemanni can be eliminated on apparent size alone which leaves Carduelis flammea flammea, Mealy Redpoll & my guess would be first winter judging by the pointed tail feathers & brownish tinge to the mantle & background colouration.

I don't usually exhibit such bravery with I.D.s but why not, it is a Sunday after all. :SLEEP:

[Colin Key]

Arctic Redpoll (Carduelis hornemanni) for me, but woud agree a difficult bird. The breast is not marked strongly enough for C. flammea.

Would also suggest that it is a 1st winter female.

Colin

[forktail]

Mealy for me too

strong coalescing flank streaks etc among other points.

[john robinson]

Thanks
Two more of same bird
JohnR

[Josh Jones]

Not wanting to be a killjoy but what rules out Lesser Redpoll (cabaret) here?

Clearly not Arctic (flank streaking too strong, wingbar buff, general brownish buff appearance, not bulky enough), and to me looking too warm brown to be Mealy, especially that wingbar and the extensive brownish base colour to the flanks. I also think the light and composition of the photograph is making it seem more washed out than it probably was in real life (certainly not discrediting the photographer in any way here).

Given that this was presumably taken on one of John's patches in what has been a poor winter in the UK for Mealy Redpoll (aka flammea), I would suggest cabaret. Really no sign of any bulkiness either which would also point towards Mealy.

[john robinson]

Thanks all.
This has gone on the Worcs bird site where they are asking for comments. It seems like no one can agree which is why I just take piccies and don't go down the rarity road.!
All I know is that the bird was definately much paler than the others in the vicinity and had a palish rump. I got one picture of it preening which made me notice that, but it was miles out of focus so I binned it. !
Spent a few hours trying to recover it but its gone.

Thanks again.
JohnR

[Josh Jones]

Thanks all.
This has gone on the Worcs bird site where they are asking for comments. It seems like no one can agree which is why I just take piccies and don't go down the rarity road.!
All I know is that the bird was definately much paler than the others in the vicinity and had a palish rump. I got one picture of it preening which made me notice that, but it was miles out of focus so I binned it. !
Spent a few hours trying to recover it but its gone.

Thanks again.
JohnR

Shame its gone John, as a rump should would have been useful to see - some Lessers do show restricted pale base colour to their rumps:

http://www.davidnorman.org.uk/MRG/Lesser%20Redpolls%201%20Aug%2005/mantle%20and%20rump%20(f%20m)%20(537%20x%20600).jp g

http://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/naturelatest/pics/Lesser%20Redpoll%201.JPG

and in contrast here's some Mealies:

http://www.surfbirds.com/media/Photos/MealyRedpoll-ph-011001.jpg

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/tracy.mann/Comred7.jpg

Lastly two Lessers, and a Mealy in the centre:

http://www.birder.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/Mealy%20Redpoll%20090105.jpg

Cheers
Josh

[john robinson]

Thanks Josh
I'm leaving it to the experts but on looking at those I would go for Mealy without much doubt.
Cheers
JohnR

[marklhawkes]

I have to agree with Josh. There are certain features which don't strongly suggest Mealy (and it's certainly not an Arctic). It would be hard to say why this isn't just a male Lesser Redpoll

[eriksanders]

Thanks Josh
I'm leaving it to the experts but on looking at those I would go for Mealy without much doubt.
Cheers
JohnR
Lesser Redpoll (cabaret), I would not know what other species???
All the best, Erik
www.pbase.com/eriksanders

[Rafi]

:certifiable:Those Redpolls were wicked you should be a pro!:certifiable: