Redpolls
Here you can study pictures of redpolls. Hopefully these help those confused with their identification.
On these first three pictures, the same Hoary Redpoll is shown. Notice the very limited, thin streaking on the sides, only one small, thin undertail streak, very white overall appearance, "pushed in" bill appearance, and the very white head.
Hoary Redpoll- Little Preseque
Isle, Marquette, MI 1/18/09
Hoary Redpoll- Little Preseque
Isle, Marquette, MI 1/18/09
Hoary Redpoll- Little Preseque
Isle, Marquette, MI 1/18/09
The next picture is a picture of a Common Redpoll. Notice it is much darker, has much more streaking on the sides and under tail coverts, has a longer bill and a darker head. It has more of a "dirty" appearance.
Common Redpoll- Little Presque Isle,
Marquette, MI 1/18/09
This next picture is an interesting redpoll. It does have a bit of streaking on the sides, but after looking at pictures of the subspecies exilipes, I think that is what this bird could be. The streaking on the sides is present, but limited and somewhat thin. The undertail looks very clean with only one small undertail streak, maybe another just to the side of it. It has a white overall appearance. It has a light head and the bill appears somewhat small (compare with Common Redpoll below). This bird was also present in the flock of birds on Little Presque Isle, and hopefully I can find it again soon.
Probable Hoary Redpoll "exilipes"- Little Presque Isle,
Marquette, MI 1/18/09
This next picture was taken in 2008, but notice how dark this Common Redpoll is and how thick of a bill it has. Very streaky and dark.
Common Redpoll, Marquette, MI
