"Greater" Common Redpolls in Greenland Page 7 of 7

All photos taken at a feeder in Kangerlussuaq in western Greenland, 67˚N, just north of the Arctic Circle.

Below is a series of "Greater" Common Redpoll (subspecies rostrata) photos from the breeding grounds in Greenland. Rostrata also breeds in Canada on Baffin Island, which is why the name Greenland Redpoll is inappropriate. These photos should prove valuable when looking for this rare northerner in winter flocks of "Southern" Common Redpolls (flammea) in southern Canada and northern United States. There was a feeder about 100 metres from the Kangerlussuaq Airport terminal on 6 September 2013.

Note overall brownish coloration and heavy streaking on this apparent first year bird. 6 September 2013.

"Greater" Common Redpoll at feeder near Kangerlussuaq Airport.

Redpolls were also eating weedy grass seeds nearby. Kangerlussuaq on 6 September 2013.

"Greater" Common Redpoll

Right bird is a juvenile rostrata. The fluffier and looser body feathers typical of juveniles often make them appear larger. It will soon molt to first year (formative) plumage, which we would see in winter in southern Canada. Kangerlussuaq on 6 September 2013.

Far bird is a juvenile rostrata. This plumage is not expected in southern Canada in winter. Kangerlussuaq on 6 September 2013.

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