Hi All,

Redpoll identification is a favourite Yukon winter pastime. In southern
Yukon, the ratio of Hoaries to Commons tends to be about 1:100. I've posted
a composite photo of Hoary Redpolls (all photographed in Whitehorse) at the
Yukon Bird Club web site:

http://www.yukonweb.com/community/ybc/ybc_bird.jpg

Features for distinguishing the frosty redpoll from its more common cousin
include:

1) Very little breast streaking.
2) White rump with no streaks.
3) White undertail with very limited (or no) thin streaks.
4) White edges to tertials and coverts.
5) Overall frosted (white) look to head.
6) The red poll tends to be brighter red.
7) A wash of pink (not red) on breast of some birds.
8) Some birds show pale peach wash around face.
9) Shorter stubbier bill.
10) Pale streak along scapulars.
11) Tend to look slightly larger than Commons.
12) Tend to cock their tails more than Commons.
13) Tend to have "bushier leggings" than Commons.

Good luck with the Hoaries!

Kind regards,

Cameron Eckert
Whitehorse, Yukon

Yukon Bird Club
Awareness ~ Appreciation ~ Conservation
http://www.yukonweb.com/community/ybc/