Saturday, March 16, 2013

Immature Redpoll: Copper-headed bird

A Redpoll that merits a post of its own —  perhaps an immature bird? — perched on the red auger, with the soft steel blue of a grain bin behind. 

Redpolls winter in our part of the Prairies. At least, this year, that's what they are doing. Their habits seem a bit irregular; many people have commented that they've not seen these birds before. 

The copper-topped ones are fairly rare. In the flock I photographed, which comprised hundred of birds, I only noticed a handful with variations on this copper-top colouring. All the rest sported shades and intensities of vibrant pink chests and bright red caps

As this Redpoll's colouring is half-way between the juvenile and mature bird, I wondered if perhaps it was immature...

Redpoll with a copper cap on its head.  photo © Shelley Banks, all rights reserved
Redpoll with a copper cap.   © SB

What is this? Redpoll, perhaps an immature bird.
Location: Near Muenster, Saskatchewan, Canada. 
Photo dates: February 18, 2013. 

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