Hoary Redpoll..... Greenland variety ?????
Outdoor Ontario

Hoary Redpoll..... Greenland variety ?????

Harvinator

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While I was out on my deck having a smoke break, I spotted this bird perched in a tree behind my neighbor's house.  I did not want to risk losing the opportunity for the shot so did not take time to unpack my 500 and set up a tripod.  I grabbed my 400 and camera which was sitting in my cabinet and scurried back out to the deck.  I grabbed a few hand held shots at a long range before it flew off.

This shot also represents a very  healthy crop so does not have the detail I would normally want before posting one.  However, it's the first I have ever seen and I think it has enough for I.D. purposes.  I'm certain it's a Hoary and after consulting my books I believe it could be of the Greenland variety which I read is not normally found this far south.

If one of you knowledgeable birders could jump in and comment, I would appreciate it.

Thanks.



:)
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Harvinator »


farmer

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I'm not one of the " knowledgeable" ones, but according to the books, it looks more like a hoary than a common. However,  it appears even much paler than the hoary and it's leg appears to be a different colour, is it possible it is an albino? I'll be interested to see what others have to say!
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by farmer »
A bad day birding is better than a good day at work!!


Reuven_M

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It is leucistic, so much of that white is not normal, and I don't think you can use plumage at all to id. I'd say probably a common based on the bill and under-tail coverts
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Reuven_M »


Brian Bailey

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I would agree that it's leucistic.  Hoarys can be very pale, but I don't think there's any race or subspecies so pale around the face and the base of the bill.  
Common or Hoary? I wouldn't try to guess from that angle.

There's an even paler leucistic redpoll on the OFO Photo Page  There are actually several nice Redpoll images (both species) in the February gallery.

BB
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Brian Bailey »
Brian Bailey
Etobicoke


Harvinator

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Well folks, the jury has rendered it's verdict.  Three prominent local authorities called for the opinion of another who they felt was even more of an authority.  This is the conclusion.....


"Even though the bill seems small and short (perhaps the angle), the wide dark streaks on the undertail coverts suggest a Common Redpoll. Also, the extensive unmarked white areas on the scapulars and face are not typical of either redpoll. I prefer albinism as you suggested in this case and leucism for washed out birds, but now both conditions are termed leucism with albinism reserved for pure white birds lacking all pigments including in the bare parts. You may remember an article about these distinctions in Birding several years ago."


Most of you folks seemed to be on the mark.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Harvinator »


Brian Bailey

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I actually thought that apparent streaking in the undertail coverts was the underside of the right wing.  I may be wrong.  It's happened once or twice before.  :wink:

BB
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Brian Bailey »
Brian Bailey
Etobicoke