Hello all -- an ID question for the morning.

Among the Pine Siskins, House Finches, and American Goldfinches at the
feeder this morning was a bird that is most aptly described as a
rusty-capped siskin:

it was the size of a siskin and had the same dark streaking and
yellowish cast, particularly in the "shoulder" area. It was the
same size as the siskins at the feeder but it stood out as being
different. I then noticed that it had a rusty cap -- the cap was
the color of a Chipping Sparrow's cap and covered the same area
on the top of the head as the red on the Redpoll.

It is possible that the bird was a very brown Common Redpoll --
though it had more of the elongated feel of a Siskin that the
plump feel of a redpoll and then there was the yellow. I don't
remember a black chin -- but it was a quick glance and then it
flew off with a large flock of small birds.

If I was forced to choose, I would say that it was a very
brownish redpoll -- but they are through here most winters and
this bird is both very early and didn't feel quite right.

Any suggestions or comments?


Dale Goble
Moscow, Idaho