>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

Dale, your bird sounds like a hybrid to me--obviously a "redskin"
(apologies to anyone who decries my political incorrectness; you can call
it a "sispoll"). There is a published report of a crossbill x siskin
hybrid, so anything is possible!

I can't imagine what this was. Redpolls don't have any yellow on them, and
their caps are surely redder than that of a Chipping Sparrow. I hope it
returns and you can get a lengthier look at it. Check rump/back contrast
and wing and tail pattern as well as chin color. I didn't realize there was
a shape difference between the two. Do you see them together at your feeder
and they still look different? I was wondering if you saw redpolls only
when it was very cold, and they would be fluffed out and therefore look
plump, while you see siskins more often when it is warmer.


Dennis Paulson phone: (206) 756-3798
Slater Museum of Natural History fax: (206) 756-3352
University of Puget Sound email: dpaulson at ups.edu
Tacoma, WA 98416