Hoary redpoll?

[finnbay]

Yep, the redpolls are pullin' out! Still had a few around today including this gal. I've seen so much discussion this winter on whether an image contains a common or a hoary, I just don't know. Help birders!!!

Couldn't get it to look at me when it was on this perch!

[JayinMN]

I would say that is a hoary, the only thing that makes me a little hesitant is the streaking on its rump. Everything else about it looks like a Hoary.

[jonny_redhorse]

Sure looks like a hoary Ken....trying to compare the "beak size" with other ped poll pics posted here....does seem to be "stubbier"(which hoary's have) then the longer billed common red polls...but then again I'm no red poll expert....

[finnbay]

Thanks, Jason and jonny. I guess that's my point. I'm less of an expert than you guys are, and I guess it's difficult even for some of the birders to distinguish. This guy caught my eye because he was almost blond compared to the other redpolls feeding, and then I noticed an absence of streaking on the breast and a stubbier beak. I've heard all those things mentioned over the winter, but as noted, it still leads to discussion by those who know. I guess I'm interested so that I could put it onto my life list with some degree of confidence.

[Borealhunter]

Its a Hoary Redpoll.

[ShawnZ]

Put it on your list with confidence, if Borealhunter says it's a Hoary, it's a Hoary!! And I even thought it was a Hoary before I read his post.