R. Johnson Arctic hornemanni exilipes: an identification review based on the 1995/96 influx

S. C.Votier, J. Steele, K. D. Shaw and A. M. Stoddart

he identification of Arctic tion exhibited by redpolls, we have drawn Carduelis hornemanni has been on the huge resource of information gath- Texhaustively covered, and the main ered together in the form of the highest- criteria used to separate them from Common quality submissions of records to the British Redpolls C. flammea have been well Rarities Committee (BBRC). In order to described (Lansdown et al. 1991; Stoddart illustrate the plumage variation and key fea- 1991; Czaplak 1995; Millington 1996; Shirihai tures of , we also reproduce et al. 1996; Steele 1996). Nevertheless, the here some of the hundreds of photographs high degree of variation among redpolls and which aided the assessment of the 1995/96 the possibility of subjective interpretation of records. Although, over the last five years, a a number of characters render at least some combination of plumage features and struc- individuals extremely difficult to identify.The ture has allowed the separation of greater 1995/96 influx of redpolls into Western numbers of Arctics in the field, there remains (Riddington et al. 2000) gave many the occasional individual which, on present observers a chance rigorously to test the knowledge, may not be identifiable. This identification criteria against large numbers paper is based largely on a working set of of birds in mixed flocks of Common Red- BBRC guidelines developed by AMS, KDS, polls of the nominate race flammea (known Pete Ellis and Doug Page in order to ease the as ‘Mealy Redpolls’) and Arctic Redpolls. task of record assessment. In an attempt to clarify the range of varia- In the following account, only the race

68 © British Birds 93: 68-84, February 2000 Votier et al: Arctic Redpoll identification exilipes of Arctic Redpoll is considered. which will accentuate yet further the charac- Although, in some cases, the nominate race teristic ‘pushed-in face’ and ‘steep-forehead’ could not be excluded, most (if not all) look of these already small-billed birds (plate Arctics recorded during the 1995/96 influx 44). Seen head-on, Arctics show a fatter, were of the race exilipes, and all references broader head with a fat-cheeked appearance are to that subspecies only. In addition, the and flat crown. nominate race of is The feather bulk also creates the impres- referred to as Mealy Redpoll, and the race sion of a very small eye, imparting a rather cabaret as . attractive ‘cute’ or ‘naive’ expression (plates Identifying redpolls is best achieved by 60 & 61). In side-on view,Arctics show very concentrating on a number of key features dense nape and neck-side feathering, so that which are subject to considerable individual the head merges smoothly with the body, variation. Other factors which may affect giving the hunched, bull-necked appearance appearance include actions and posture, dis- so typical of many individuals. This dense tance, light, temperature, age/sex and feathering of the nape, together with dense plumage wear: all of these need to be borne underpart feathering, lends a considerable in mind when attempting to identify any ‘depth’ to the , contributing to its pow- individual. While some Arctics are strikingly erful, front-heavy look. From the rear, a eye-catching (plate 41), the high degree of greater breadth is usually visible across the variation and the difficulties of keeping track nape, mantle and rump, producing a rather of individuals within often large and highly ‘lark-like’ impression when the bird is on the mobile flocks of very similar-looking birds ground (plate 41). As a result of this dense (plate 42) make for one of the thorniest plumage, Arctic Redpolls seem to have problems in birding.The main confusion risk greater difficulty in keeping their rump is with Mealy Redpoll, but Lesser Redpoll can covered, the whiteness regularly ‘peeping also present an additional identification out’ much more readily than is the case with problem. a Mealy Redpoll (plates 50, 51 & 56).Arctics The key features for identification are dis- also usually show shaggier feathering on the cussed systematically below, with reference lower belly and flanks, giving a heavy rear to photographs. Additional characters, ‘undercarriage’ and contributing to a long- including bill structure, plumage density bodied appearance (plate 41). (which will influence structure), promi- Because of their feather mass, the impres- nence of wingbars, and general size and sions given by Arctic Redpolls with sleeked- build, are more subjective and variable, but down feathers and those with fluffed-up are touched upon in the captions. feathers can be very different. On the ground, the birds look very long and solid- Structure bodied, front-heavy and neckless, with a Potentially, this is almost the most useful shaggy ‘undercarriage’ and long tail. When character of all, but probably only to feeding in Betula or Alnus, observers already familiar with both species. they may show a similar appearance, though Although structural features are subtle, they mitigated by their acrobatic behaviour, such seem to be more constant than plumage as hanging upside-down and twisting to characters, so that the majority of Arctic Red- reach seeds. When perched upright, polls show an appearance which, once however, they gradually relax their feathers, learnt, is highly distinctive. The effect is and the final effect can be almost that of a largely a result of feather density, but it mani- sphere, with hugely inflated, billowing flanks fests itself in several ways. and rump often overlapping, or even Although measurements overlap consider- obscuring, the wings (plates 44, 45, 50, 51 & ably, exilipes Arctics, because of their greater 56). feather mass, appear larger and bulkier than Bill sizes of Arctic and Common Redpolls Mealy Redpolls. This impression is height- overlap, but the ‘classic’ Arctic bill is small, ened by the paleness of their plumage. Extra short and relatively fine, with a straight or feathering around the ‘face’, particularly concave upper mandible. On some Arctics, it around the bill, can obscure the bill base, is strikingly tiny.

British Birds 93: 68-84, February 2000 69 Votier et al.: Arctic Redpoll identification

White rumps 45); this streaking can be so extensive as to According to Svensson (1992), a redpoll with resemble closely that on Mealy (plates 46- 10 mm or more of unstreaked white on the 48). The variation – ranging from Mealies rump will surely be an Arctic, and such birds through young Arctics to adult Arctics – is are extremely attractive (plate 43). Although subtle, but the extremes are distinctive some show only 10 mm of unstreaked white (plates 49-51). (plate 44), these are still reasonably identifi- It is important to remember that dark able; on more extreme individuals, the depth feather bases will be more obvious as birds of unstreaked white can be at least 20 mm. become more worn (particularly during late Other, apparently ‘good’ Arctics show a winter and in spring), and that these same largely white rump with small fine streaking markings are more obvious when the rump intermixed, which can be confusing (plate feathers are fluffed up. /Birdwatch Steve Young Steve

41. Arctic Redpoll Carduelis hornemanni exilipes, Langham, Norfolk, February 1996. Some exilipes are large, powerful-looking with strikingly pale plumage.This individual shows Arctic’s typical flat and broad head shape with steep forehead and rather bull-necked appearance.The shaggy, heavy underparts and broad, almost ‘lark-like’ structure are also typical. Robin Chittenden

42. Arctic Carduelis hornemanni exilipes and Mealy Redpolls C. flammea flammea, Cromer, Norfolk, January 1996.A flock of redpolls at Cromer contained at least four exilipes, though as many as 12 may have been present through the winter; at least two exilipes are shown here (third and fifth from right), but a number of other very pale individuals are not obviously identifiable from the photograph. Note at least one buffy Lesser Redpoll C. f. cabaret (seventh from left).

70 British Birds 93: 68-84, February 2000 Votier et al.: Arctic Redpoll identification /Birdwatch Steve Young Steve Robin Chittenden

43. Arctic Redpoll Carduelis hornemanni 44. Arctic Redpoll Carduelis hornemanni exilipes, Langham, Norfolk, March 1996. A exilipes, Langham, Norfolk, February 1996. Some ‘classic’ individual, showing extensive area (10-20 (usually young) exilipes show a rather narrow mm) of unstreaked white on rump and very pale area of unstreaked white on rump, with general plumage. Arctic has a tendency to fluff streaking from mantle invading only the upper out its rather dense plumage, which can enhance portion of rump, and a pale panel in centre of the amount of white visible on the rump. mantle. Note the rather small,‘pushed-in’ bill. George Reszeter George

45. Arctic Redpoll Carduelis hornemanni exilipes, Langham, Norfolk, February 1996. An Martin S. Scott apparently ‘classically’ pale exilipes, but, as the rump feathers are fluffed out, a lot of small dark 46. Mealy Redpoll Carduelis flammea feather bases are revealed. A number of exilipes flammea, Garlogie, Northeast Scotland, March (usually females and immatures) show grey 1996. Most Mealies show a contrastingly pale streaks across the rump and can be confused rump, which can extend to a pale panel on with Mealy Redpoll C. flammea flammea.The centre of mantle; the rump, however, is still very streaking will become more obvious as the white heavily streaked blackish. tips abrade through the winter.

British Birds 93: 68-84, February 2000 71 Votier et al.: Arctic Redpoll identification Martin S. Scott P.J. Dunn

47. Unidentified first-winter female redpoll, 48. First-winter Arctic Redpoll Carduelis probably Arctic Carduelis hornemanni exilipes, hornemanni exilipes, Garlogie, Northeast Filey, North Yorkshire, 1996. Some redpolls show Scotland, March 1996. Probably at the extreme a frustratingly ambiguous rump pattern: this one end of the range for exilipes, with extensive fine has a broad white rump with mantle streaking grey streaks on an otherwise extensive white extending into the upper portion, a pattern not rump. Note narrow black centres to upperpart incompatible with exilipes, but the finer dark feathers, paler lower scapulars, and short, streaks throughout are a little strong and suggest ‘pushed-in’ bill. Mealy Redpoll C. flammea flammea. Other supporting characters have to be used to identify such individuals. John M.John Gardner John M.John Gardner 50. First-winter male Arctic Redpoll Carduelis 49. Mealy Redpoll Carduelis flammea hornemanni exilipes,Wintersett,West Yorkshire, flammea,Wintersett,West Yorkshire, 9th March 9th March 1996.The dense plumage of exilipes is 1996. A whitish rump with heavy streaking is apparent only when fluffed out: compare this typical of Mealy. Rest of upperparts are rather individual with the fluffed-out Mealy C. flammea brownish, although there is a slight ‘frosting’ on flammea in plate 49. Other features often crown and nape, and the bill is typically longer- associated with exilipes include the clean ‘face’ looking than on Arctic Redpoll C. hornemanni with warm buff wash (young birds), and rather exilipes. broad white greater-covert wingbars.

72 British Birds 93: 68-84, February 2000 Votier et al.: Arctic Redpoll identification Martin S. Scott John M.John Gardner

51. Adult male Arctic Redpoll Carduelis 52. Adult male Mealy Redpoll Carduelis hornemanni exilipes,Wintersett,West Yorkshire, flammea flammea, Garlogie, Northeast Scotland, 9th March 1996.Adult exilipes tend to be much March 1996. Some adult male Mealies can have greyer on the upperparts than do young birds an unstreaked but pink rump, and this bird can and to show a more extensive white rump be identified as Mealy by rather brown-toned (though note that the first-winter male in plate upperparts and long-looking bill.Any Arctic 10 has its rump partially obscured). Combination Redpoll C. hornemanni exilipes with this of fresh, rather rounded tips to rectrices, fresh amount of pink on the rump should be a tertials, and rose-pink on rump show this strikingly pale grey bird overall (cf. plate 51). individual to be an adult male. Undertail-coverts The undertail-coverts of Arctic Redpoll can be completely unmarked white (plate 53) or have a shaft streak on the longest two or three feathers, any such markings ranging from a thin grey line to a stronger, darker streak with lateral expansion of up to 2 mm (though 5 mm is technically possible). More typically,they show a rather narrow streak in the centre of the longest undertail-covert, which can be difficult to see in the field (plate 55), a significant difference from the heavily marked pattern of most Mealy Red- polls (plate 56). The undertail-coverts of Lesser Redpolls show only fine streaks, but almost invariably a buffy wash (plate 57). It is difficult to confirm the presence or absence of undertail-covert streaking in the field, even on well-marked Mealies. Such streaking can sometimes be almost impos- S.A. Reeves sible to see, and apparent lack of markings 53. Arctic Redpoll Carduelis hornemanni can mean simply that the undertail-coverts exilipes, Garlogie, Northeast Scotland, March 1996. Presence or absence of streaking on the were not observed well enough for streaks undertail-coverts can be difficult to determine in to be seen. The importance of good views the field. If seen well, such unmarked birds as cannot be stressed enough. this are typically exilipes.

British Birds 93: 68-84, February 2000 73 Votier et al.: Arctic Redpoll identification P.J. Dunn

54. Unidentified first-winter redpoll, probably M.Williams Arctic Carduelis hornemanni exilipes, Filey, 55. Arctic Redpoll Carduelis hornemanni North Yorkshire, 1996 (same bird as in plate 47). exilipes, Foremark Reservoir, Derbyshire, 13th The other extreme of the range of exilipes January 1996. A large number of exilipes show a compared with plate 53.While this bird is lone fine streak on the longest undertail-covert heavily marked, a single prominent streak is which can be difficult to see in the field. confined to the longest undertail-covert and fine markings elsewhere are very small; the shape of the streak also differs from that of typical Mealy C. flammea flammea, being rather even in width throughout its length. Such individuals as this have caused wide debate within the BBRC. John Hewitt John

57. Arctic Carduelis hornemanni exilipes, Mealy Martin S. Scott C. flammea flammea and Lesser Redpolls C. f. cabaret,Wintersett,West Yorkshire, December 56. Mealy Redpoll Carduelis flammea flammea, 1995. An excellent comparative photograph, Garlogie, Northeast Scotland, March 1996. Mealy showing differences in amount and shape of typically shows distinct streaking on almost all of undertail-covert streaking between exilipes (left), the undertail-coverts; the streaks are usually flammea (centre) and cabaret (right). Note that darker than on exilipes and differ in shape, being cabaret has only poorly streaked undertail- very broad at the feather base and tapering to a coverts, but they are distinctly washed buff. point.

74 British Birds 93: 68-84, February 2000 Votier et al.: Arctic Redpoll identification

Underparts/flanks flanks, but again usually not reaching the The most distinctive Arctics are often pure rear flanks (plate 59). Certain individuals, white below, with only one or two fine however, may be confusing, exhibiting char- pencil-streaks on the flanks, usually stopping acters akin to exilipes, but with three rows of before the rear flanks (plate 58). This can very heavy streaking which extend all the vary,with some showing two or three promi- way to the rear flanks, suggesting Mealy nent ‘tramlines’ extending well down the (plate 60). George Reszeter George John M.John Gardner

59. Arctic Redpoll Carduelis hornemanni 58. Adult male Arctic Redpoll Carduelis exilipes, Langham, Norfolk, February 1996. A hornemanni exilipes,Wintersett,West Yorkshire, strikingly white-rumped individual, but with bold 9th March 1996 (same bird as in plate 51).An ‘tramlines’ along flanks, although only fine attractive individual, with just a few dark spots at spotting on breast sides. In fluffed-out posture, sides of upper breast, diffuse streaks along flanks the white feather bases of the lower scapulars and small spots of rose-pink.The ‘face’ is rather merge with the rump to form an obvious ‘Y’of clean and cold-looking, enhancing the small-eyed white.This bird also shows suggestion of appearance. streaking on sides of the undertail-coverts. S. C.Votier

60. Probable Arctic Redpoll Carduelis hornemanni exilipes, Langham, Norfolk, February 1996. Underpart pattern on some redpolls can be confusing: the very heavy streaking (extending to rear flanks) on this individual suggests Mealy C. flammea flammea, but general ‘cleanness’ of underparts, slight buff wash to ‘face’, upperpart pattern and very deep-based bill all suggest exilipes. On this view alone, such birds as this one are probably not identifiable with any certainty.

British Birds 93: 68-84, February 2000 75 Votier et al.: Arctic Redpoll identification

Upperparts A ‘plain-faced’ expression is produced by The upperparts of Arctic Redpoll generally Arctic’s minimally demarcated, ‘ghosted’ ear- show narrower dark feather centres than do covert outline, or, in some cases, not even those of Mealy. Some adult male Arctics are that; the ear-coverts do not, therefore, stand distinctly grey-toned above (plate 62), but out as a darker area within the otherwise more typically show pale upperparts with a pale ‘face’. Owing to the paler, more uniform slight brownish-buff cast, and a pale central head pattern, the eye of Arctic Redpoll panel to the mantle (plate 63). Although stands out more clearly (plate 62). young Arctics can sometimes be confusingly Young Arctics show an attractive and brown-looking on the upperparts, they do obvious warm buff or coppery wash to the usually still show a pale panel in the centre ‘face’ and throat, extending to the upper of the mantle and also pale rear scapulars breast (plate 61). (plate 64). Robin Chittenden

61. Arctic Redpoll Carduelis hornemanni exilipes, Langham, Norfolk, March 1996. Most young exilipes show a rather clean ‘face’ and upper breast with a distinct warm coppery wash. The flat-headed and small- eyed appearance lend a ‘naive’ or ‘cute’look to many.This individual also shows a rather narrow greater- covert wingbar. Martin S. Scott

62. Arctic Redpoll Carduelis hornemanni exilipes, Garlogie, Northeast Scotland, March 1996.A big, bullish, probably adult exilipes showing very grey upperparts with extremely narrow dark feather centres. Identification of these types of Arctic is straightforward.

76 British Birds 93: 68-84, February 2000 Votier et al.: Arctic Redpoll identification S. C.Votier

63. Arctic Redpoll Carduelis hornemanni exilipes, Langham, Norfolk, February 1996. Another ‘broad- beamed’ exilipes showing powerful cheek muscles, bull-neck and deep-based bill.The upperparts are fairly standard, with rather narrow blackish feather centres and a distinct buff-brown colour to the scapulars. S. C.Votier

64. Arctic Redpoll Carduelis hornemanni exilipes, Langham, Norfolk, February 1996. Some (usually young) exilipes are very brown-backed, but show contrastingly pale lower scapulars (cf. plate 59). In all other respects, this is a ‘classic’Arctic.

BBRC’s assessment of influx was eased considerably by the high claims of Arctic Redpoll quality of much of the submitted narrative, photographs and artwork. Some of the The above details should clarify the essential artwork found most useful by the Committee criteria used by the BBRC when dealing with is reproduced here (figs. 1-3), and was much claimed records of Arctic Redpoll. These appreciated both for its practical help in identification characters are summarised in record assessment and for its aesthetic table 1. attributes. The Committee’s task in assessing such a large number of claims from the 1995/96

British Birds 93: 68-84, February 2000 77 Votier et al.: Arctic Redpoll identification J.Wright

Fig. 1. Arctic Redpoll Carduelis hornemanni exilipes. Left, Rutland Water, Rutland, 5th January 1996; right, Broomhead Reservoir, South Yorkshire, 5th March 1996.

78 British Birds 93: 68-84, February 2000 Votier et al.: Arctic Redpoll identification J.Wright

British Birds 93: 68-84, February 2000 79 Votier et al.: Arctic Redpoll identification E.A. Fisher

80 British Birds 93: 68-84, February 2000 Votier et al.: Arctic Redpoll identification E.A. Fisher

Fig. 2. Arctic Redpoll Carduelis hornemanni exilipes. Left, Barbrook Plantation, Derbyshire, 17th & 24th- 25th December 1995; right, Blackburn Meadows, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, 17th-23rd February 1996.

British Birds 93: 68-84, February 2000 81 Votier et al.: Arctic Redpoll identification Bill Simpson Bill Simpson

Fig. 3. Arctic Redpoll Carduelis hornemanni exilipes, Bestwood Country Park, Nottinghamshire. Top, 13th & 14th April 1996; bottom, 14th-18th April 1996.

82 British Birds 93: 68-84, February 2000 Votier et al.: Arctic Redpoll identification

Table 1. Features used to separate Arctic Carduelis hornemanni exilipes and Mealy Redpolls C. flammea flammea in the field.

Feature Usefulness Arctic Mealy

Structure Subtle differences open ‘Loose’ feathering giving Generally sleeker-looking than to interpretation; useful bulky appearance, and Arctic, and often appears a mostly to experienced small-looking bill. Often little smaller, despite overlap observers. fluffs up feathers, giving in body size. Bill often looks a more distinctive little longer. appearance.

Rump Variable, but detail of Should always show a Rump always streaked rump at rest is critical white rump. On ‘classic’ (except on adult males), for identification. birds this is extensively despite base colour often unstreaked, but being whitish; streaking may considerable variation. thin towards centre of rump, Some show some fine but should never show greyish streaks, but on an extensive unstreaked white. extensive white base; any Adult males can cause streaking will become confusion as they may show more prominent with unstreaked rump, but this will wear, but may be present always be strongly pink or through winter. pinkish-red.

Undertail- Rather variable, and can Always white, unmarked Whitish, but usually with coverts be very difficult to see on adult males at least, but fairly broad dark arrowhead well enough to confirm fine streaks (usually only markings; extent of these is pattern. on central feathers) are variable and, on birds with frequently shown by limited marks, good views females and immatures. often required to see them. Adult males may be unmarked.

Underparts Usually easy to see in the On the most ‘obvious’ Streaking variable, but usually and flanks field, and essential to birds, streaking usually heavier (particularly on and ‘face’ observe these well, but rather fine on upper breast flanks) than on Arctic. Ground rather variable. and flanks, ending before colour often rather sullied undertail-coverts. Females and greyish, and ‘face’ looks and immatures may be greyer and less clean.Again, more heavily marked, but adult males may cause ground colour should confusion, showing less always be white, typically underpart streaking, but will with attractive pale bronze be strongly suffused with wash on ‘face’. pink.

Upperparts Easy to see and useful, Rather pale and greyish Darker grey-brown than most but rather variable, with ground colour with dark Arctics, but often shows paler some overlap. streaks on the most central panel like many ‘obvious’ birds; even Arctics.Wingbars generally browner individuals show narrower, but variable. fairly extensive block of central mantle with whitish ground colour. Greater-covert wingbar may be very broad and white when fresh, but varies with wear.

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Acknowledgments References Everyone who submitted photographs to the BBRC Czaplak, D. 1995. Identifying Common and Hoary made the job of assessing such a huge number of Redpolls. Birding 27: 205-217. records easier, and all should be congratulated for Lansdown, P., Riddiford, N. J., & Knox, A. 1991. providing such a fantastic record, particularly: Robin Identification of Arctic Redpoll Carduelis Chittenden, Pete Dunn, John M. Gardner, John Hewitt, hornemanni exilipes. Brit. Birds 84: 41-56. Stuart Reeves, George Reszeter, Martin Scott, M. Millington, R. 1996. Identification forum: Williams, Rob Wilson and Steve Young.We should also Arctic Redpoll revisited. Birding World 9: 65-69. like to acknowledge the huge amount of work done by Riddington, R., Votier, S. C., & Steele, J. 2000. The other members of the BBRC, particularly Pete Ellis and influx of redpolls into Western Europe, 1995/96. Doug Page. Finally, the authors are most grateful to Brit. Birds 93: 59-67. fellow ‘redpoll enthusiasts’ who provided many ideas Shirihai, H., Christie, D. A., & Harris, A. 1996. The and much discussion: there were very many,but those Macmillan Birder’s Guide to European and who were particularly influential include T.R. Cleeves, Middle Eastern Birds. London. D. E. Dickson, M. I. Eldridge, P.V. Harvey, R. Johnson, Steele, J. 1996. Rump stakes. Birdwatch (March 1996): M. P. Lee, A. Lewis, R. Millington, I. M. Phillips, Dr R. 26-31. Riddington, M. S. Scott and M.Young-Powell. Stoddart, A. 1991. Identification of Arctic Redpoll. Birding World 4: 18-23. Svensson, L. 1992. Identification Guide to European . 4th edn. Stockholm. S. C. Votier, Division of Environmental and Evolutionary Biology, IBLS, Graham Kerr Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ Dr J. Steele, 16 Oaklands, Gosforth, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE3 4YQ K. D. Shaw, Vane Farm, Loch Leven, Kinross, Fife K13 7LX A. M. Stoddart, 7 Elsden Close, Holt, Norfolk NR25 6JW

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