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Redpoll id - Fairburn Ings UK (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter frogstar
- Start date
birding maniac
Michael M
Yes, I think it is lesser Redpoll
wolfbirder
Well-known member
These are the sort of birds that really throw me !
I think it is a pale Lesser Redpoll coming into breeding plumage. Structure wise to me it looks like a Lesser, but could also fit Coue's (which i don't think it is). Especially the head and bill. To me it is not a typical mealy based on structure, tho they of course do vary.
Plumage wise the streaking on the flanks is not typical of Lesser, which usually show a few lines on upper breast sides with a darker ground colour, even when underparts are chiefly pale or clean. The streaking could be ok for Coue's and IMO is not typically thick or regular enough for Mealy.
The bird has a nice broad pale wing panel which if gleaming white is a good pro-Coue's feature, or Mealy.
The undertail covert seems to show an arrow head though there is overlap with regard to all 3.
The rump I think will rule out Coue's Arctic, but we cannot see it properly. But the pale brown mantle may be too light for Lesser?
That's why i am confused !! Still think its a pale Lesser, but I am probably wrong & it may indeed be a Mealy.
I give up!
I think it is a pale Lesser Redpoll coming into breeding plumage. Structure wise to me it looks like a Lesser, but could also fit Coue's (which i don't think it is). Especially the head and bill. To me it is not a typical mealy based on structure, tho they of course do vary.
Plumage wise the streaking on the flanks is not typical of Lesser, which usually show a few lines on upper breast sides with a darker ground colour, even when underparts are chiefly pale or clean. The streaking could be ok for Coue's and IMO is not typically thick or regular enough for Mealy.
The bird has a nice broad pale wing panel which if gleaming white is a good pro-Coue's feature, or Mealy.
The undertail covert seems to show an arrow head though there is overlap with regard to all 3.
The rump I think will rule out Coue's Arctic, but we cannot see it properly. But the pale brown mantle may be too light for Lesser?
That's why i am confused !! Still think its a pale Lesser, but I am probably wrong & it may indeed be a Mealy.
I give up!
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birding maniac
Michael M
Personally I don't think it is Coues'.
Mealy COuld be possible but to me the wing bars don't look white enough, especially towards the edge of the wing where they are quite brown.
On this I wouldn't like to call it anything but Lesser, on the pale side however.
Mealy COuld be possible but to me the wing bars don't look white enough, especially towards the edge of the wing where they are quite brown.
On this I wouldn't like to call it anything but Lesser, on the pale side however.
Bananafishbones
Incoherently Rambling .....
I think Lesser, the images show the bird to have Lesser Redoll structure and feel about it, I dont think the bird is bulky enough, nor is the wingbar white enough.
I know individual birds can vary but this certainly is more a LESSER, if you understand that...lol
I know individual birds can vary but this certainly is more a LESSER, if you understand that...lol
Birds 4ever
Is it just me or do non-birders see rare birds you
My fist impression was mealy but then I'm no expert
Nature__lover
Well-known member
can't help with the ID, but must just say the first photo is not poor! it's brilliant!
screaming piha
Well-known member
Some are old buff-tipped coverts and some are fresh white-tipped ones.
wolfbirder
Well-known member
The width of that undertail covert is considerable - like an arrowhead. Pale enough to be Mealy but i still think this is a pale lesser. May not be the same bird tho. I am probably wrong!
HughPulsford
County Bird Recorder Cheshire and Wirral
Redpoll Id
Hi I would favour a pale lesser Redpoll, in fact a first winter Male on unmoulted greater coverts and the pointed tail feathers. It doesnt look robust enough for a Mealy. Here's one I caught earlier as they say to compare with. Male Mealys dont have that much pink on them as first year birds. regards
Hugh
Hi I would favour a pale lesser Redpoll, in fact a first winter Male on unmoulted greater coverts and the pointed tail feathers. It doesnt look robust enough for a Mealy. Here's one I caught earlier as they say to compare with. Male Mealys dont have that much pink on them as first year birds. regards
Hugh
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birding maniac
Michael M
I wasn't sure on that, so thanks for confirmation!
However, I still feel this bird is Lesser.
