Hi,
I had a Lesser Redpoll on the niger feeder last week and didn't recognise it because it had no red (or yellow) on the head. I first thought from a partial view it was a bunting, but had doubts because of the yellow beak and white tips to its greater coverts. I sent a photo to Ian and he and he put me straight. So maybe
redless Redpolls are more common than we think.

Mike

Thanks Steve, only just noticed your post!! Very interesting though. No red at all on the head. That yellow would hardly be noticable at a bit of a distance as well! Redpolls have peaked in the garden this week end. 17 on Saturday and 15 on Sunday but all had red heads!!!!

See the Buckton birder blog:
http://bucktonbirder.blogspot.com/
for 16th March for a short article on a 'yellowpoll'.

We have occasionally caught lesser redpoll in winter showing no red at all on the poll, sometimes with just a trace of yellow. These are probably first year females.

Can't say i've seen a redpoll without the crown patch before, but saying that Twite are generally unheard of in garden settings, instead preferring coastal saltmarsh in winter. Rather confusing but interesting.
Either a photo or a more detailed description could help with identifying the poll-less birds Chris.
Thanks. Henry.

I've sent you a private message Chris but as always, the Manchester Birding website usually has sufficient information and the relevant contact details

Hi all, I have regular daily visits of redpoll to my garden in Bromley Cross Bolton. Over the years the colour variation on these birds has been wide some are very pale looking some are very dark. They have always had the red cap and sometimes a tremendous pink/red breast. Last week 4 birds visited. Yellow conical bill, markings on the back/breast similar to the redpolls I have seen but they had no sign of red/pink on them. I looked up in my Collins book and looked at twite and linnet but decided their pictures didnt realy match what I had seen so just assumed they were Redpolls with out the red head!!! Toady, I have seen a picture of a twite in an RSPB bochure explaining how the Twite has declined and it looks exactly like the birds in the garden. No red head, yellow conical beak similar back markings. What do you think? Does no red/pink head mean definately not a redpoll? Will be out in the garden next time to get a photo to help me identify them!! (If there is a next time!!) Any information would be greatfull. Also I took a great photo of a Marsh/Willow tit but just can not tell the difference!! Is there anyone I can upload to that may be able to help with identification. Thanks Chris