David Beadle and J. D. Rising in their 2006 book "Tanagers, Cardinals,  
and Finches of the United States and Canada/ The Photographic  
Guide" (Princeton University Press) summarized field knowledge of  
possible redpoll interbreeding. They wrote (page 140): "Hybrids[:]    
In some areas, populations of Common and Hoary redpolls seem to grade  
into each other. It is not clear whether this reflects interbreeding  
or within-population variation."

Hoary Redpolls reportedly nest generally away from human habitation,  
and, partly as a consequence, there are apparently no detailed North  
American studies of what happens where both Common and Hoary Redpolls  
might nest in the same location. Having more bird study in the arctic  
might help to clarify what goes on with interbreeding or not of some  
of the geese, gulls, and redpolls, but a frequent lack of easy access  
and environments often inhospitable for extended visits by people are  
among the obstacles to be overcome.

Today, here in "comparatively balmy" Norwich, at least 8 Common  
Redpolls were in the yard. A Carolina Wren and 2 White-throated  
Sparrows were other highlights among the 13 bird species here in the  
yard in Norwich village today.

Two Carolina Wrens were together in the yard yesterday when the  
highest redpoll count here was at least 20.

George
Norwich, VT




On Jan 27, 2013, at 12:59 PM, Lila Ollmann wrote:

> Has anyone seen breeding pairs of a definite Common Redpolls with  
> "definite" Hoary Redpolls? Are there thought to be identifiable  
> hybrids? Probably an obvious question, but the blog post doesn't say  
> anything about whether they are known to interbreed or not.
>
> On Wed, Jan 23, 2013 at 7:51 PM, PAMELA HUNT  
> <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Greetings all,
>
> This has appeared on the CT and Mass listserves, and it seems  
> appropriate to spread it north into the rest of New England!
>
> Pam Hunt
> Concord, NH
>
>
> Open Mic: Hoary Redpoll; A False Dichotomy?http://blog.aba.org/2013/01/open-mic-redpolls.html
>
>