ID Help

Any ideas on positive ID on this one ?
Cheers
JR

Hi John, well Phil and I have been scratching our heads over this one but think it maybe a leucistic sparrow.There is an American white crowned sparrow, the female looks very similar, but I doubt it has flown the distance! Could be wrong of course, but it may point you in the right direction!.

Hth......Fran & Phil

Hello John,

Hope you're keeping well. It's a Redpoll.

Can't decide if its a Lesser Redpoll: http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/l/lesserredpoll/index.aspx

Or a Mealy Redpoll: http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/m/mealyredpoll/index.aspx

The reasonably light colouring suggests a Mealy, but you should be able to tell by the size.

Nice shot by the way!

All the best,

Dawn.

I agree with Dawn that it is a Redpoll, butI would plump more for the rarer Mealy/ Fenno Scandia subspecies which are whiter and "fluffier/scruffier" than the common Lesser Redpoll, but the size of chin bib looks unusually large hence I can see the sparrow confusion.........

update - have a look at this from my local birding club

The cleaner white cheeks confirm Mealy and the extended bib looks about right from this comparison image as well.

Thanks all. I should have said I realised it was Redpoll but not sure of race.
Had several E mails -seems its a Mealy .
Another first at the pooll anyway !!
Thanks
JohnR

Yes I would agree with Mealy John. Looks very pale.

Oscar