Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah

Rec. # 2002-
36


Common name:

Common Redpoll

Scientific name: Carduelis flammea
Date: October 22-24, 2002
Time: all times of the day
Length of time observed: 20 minutes at a time. Sometimes only a minute
Number: 1
Age: 1st year?
Sex: female
Location: Orem
County: Utah
Latilong: Salt Lake, Provo
Elevation: 4500 ft.
Distance to bird: two to three feet-15 feet
Optical equipment: Baush and Lomb binoculars 8x42
Weather: Sunny
Light Conditions: excellent.
Detailed description of bird: It had the distinct red cap on top of it's head. It also had a yellowish orangish bill. It had streaks on its undertail coverts. Streaks on the sides of the bird. Black under the bill and above the bill. White eyelines above and below eye. Does not form an entire
ring. Black legs. White on breast. [see photo]
Song or call & method of delivery: none
Behavior: I only saw it in my Gambel Oak in my backyard. It would land high in the tree then slowly jump from branch to branch down to the thistle feeding sack. Would often come in with Lesser Goldfinches to the feeder. Would act much like the Lesser Goldfinches. Would flip every which way on the thistle sack.
Habitat: suburban backyard, Orem Utah, Gambel Oak tree.
Similar species and
how were they eliminated:
Similar_Species_Elimination: Hoary Redpoll. I eleminated it due to the
very streaked undertail coverts. It had a much more heavily streaked
sides. A fatter bill then would have a Hoary. Much darker overall then
would a Hoary.
Previous experience with this & similar species: I have seen this species two seperate times this year alreday. Once in Mantua Utah, and at a feeder in Provo Utah. I have never seen a Hoary Redpoll
References consulted: Sibleys guide to birds. National Geographic guide to birds.
Description from: From memory
Observer: KC Childs
Observer's address: 731 west 580 south Orem, Utah 84058
Observer's e-mail address: utahguy058@yahoo.com
Other observers who independently identified
this bird:
Eric Huish, John Childs and my mom Darolyne Childs
Date prepared: November 12, 2002  (General Public)
Additional material: Photo
Additional comments: