Home › Forums › Open Discussion › Small bird with red mohawk! A Redpol?
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November 16, 2014 at 11:54 pm #819520
anonymeParticipantMy first thought was sapsucker, especially with the black and white, but the birds that you’re putting forth as examples are all finch or sparrow-like. Redpolls and Cassin’s finches aren’t that common in Puget Sound, but it’s possible. Was the topknot distinctive or merely suggested? Was the color truly black and white, or mostly brown? Most likely it was either a house or purple finch. Each individual is completely different, with the color being anything from a bright dash of red to a dull russet ‘hoodie’. Also, where did you see this bird? You might be able to find it again in the same area. I’d be thrilled to see either of the birds you mentioned.
Speaking of suggestions, it’s always best to consult an illustrated guide, such as Sibley, when making identifications. Oddly enough, photographs are almost useless for that purpose.
November 17, 2014 at 3:37 am #819521
juliacParticipantHello, Thanks for your input. Yes, the topknot was very distinctive! That is why I called it a mohawk. It was a definate (short) tuft (sticking up) about 1/2 ” long across the crown of its head. Very red, and no red anywhere else on it’s body. I know purple finches are colorful, red, and all different, but this was not one of those. I do have a Sibley Guide and looked it up. (Thanks for that tip). The wings were more black and white than brown, with distinctive markings. I think it was an adult female Common Redpoll. Maybe that cold sweeping front from Alaska brought it this far west.
My husband did a search and found that a few have been seen in Seattle at the annual bird count.
Also, after it hopped around near our window, it went to our sunflower seed birdfeeder and my husband got some photos. We will look at the body and beak shape and let you know.
We live near Sealth High School, and have a dense backyard sanctuary with a birch tree, lots of bamboo and lots of other trees and shrubs. We saw it on Saturday, about 4:00 pm Thanks for your help. Best, Julia
November 17, 2014 at 5:53 am #819522
desertdwellerParticipantI’m assuming that you’ve already ruled out a ruby-crowned kinglet with its ‘hackles’ up?
November 17, 2014 at 2:43 pm #819523
anonymeParticipantIt’s amazing what you’ll see at a feeder sometimes. Had to get rid of mine due to rats, but thinking of taking another shot at it. A dense and varied landscape (like the one you mentioned) is also a big plus. Julia, we’d love to see your photos if you have them. Great spot – congratulations!
DD, ruby crowned kinglet is another great (and quite likely) option!
November 17, 2014 at 3:26 pm #819524
juliacParticipantA ruby-crowned kinglet! That is it! Thank you. I looked it up in my 2 good bird books and YES, that is exactly the bird. (It did not show a red head in the first book I used “Birds of the Puget Sound Region,” so it was not on my radar). In fact, we just saw a golden crowned Kinglet a few weeks ago and I was thrilled. Will look at the photos later and let you know how they are. (They are not great though)…Thanks again, to you both! Best, Julia
November 17, 2014 at 5:18 pm #819525
desertdwellerParticipantYeah, usually ruby-crowned kinglets don’t show their crest. It’s only when they feel threatened that their mohawk appears! They’re great birds!
November 17, 2014 at 5:35 pm #819526
anonymeParticipantHooray for kinglets! Excellent call, DD!
November 17, 2014 at 7:03 pm #819527
juliacParticipantThat is so interesting that their crest only shows when they are feeling threatened. That was a lucky spotting! Not sure why he was feeling threatened, he was hopping around on top of our garden shed right outside our window. Maybe he felt exposed.
November 18, 2014 at 6:18 am #819528
juliacParticipantA tiny bird seemingly overflowing with energy, the Ruby-crowned Kinglet forages almost frantically through lower branches of shrubs and trees. Its habit of constantly flicking its wings is a key identification clue. Smaller than a warbler or chickadee, this plain green-gray bird has a white eyering and a white bar on the wing. Alas, the male’s brilliant ruby crown patch usually stays hidden—your best chance to see it is to find an excited male singing in spring or summer
November 18, 2014 at 6:19 am #819529
juliacParticipantThis photo is perfect!
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/PHOTO/LARGE/ruby-crowned_kinglet_glamor.jpg
Best,
Julia
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