The status of Redpolls in the Pribilofs is somewhat confusing. The first confirmed breeding record in the Pribilofs was in 2001, and the species has been found on the island breeding every year since. Numbers fluctuate wildly through the spring and fall, and in summer the species is seen sporadically. Some years only Common Redpolls are found, and in others a mix of Hoaries and Commons, or mostly Hoaries are found. To separate the two takes some practice and familiarity with the range of variation within and between the two species. On alternate male Commons look for a dark pink wash across the breast, prominent flank and rump streaking and a long straight bill. Hoaries should look frosty above, with reduced or non-existent flank and rump streaking and a short bill that barely extends past the feathering of the face. Both species of redpolls are very vocal in flight so listen for their dry rattling call as they pass overhead in the rockier upland areas of the island or the grassy swales around Novastoshna.