Finches

Common Redpoll, Carduelis flammea

Family Fringillidae (Finches)

Size: 5.25"

Season: Winter

Habitat: Thickets, mixed woodlands, urban areas

The common redpoll is an energetic, social, small finch that often travels in large flocks. Its yellow bill is fairly small and pointed, and the tail is slightly notched. Males are streaked dark brown and white above and are whitish below with a rosy breast and brown streaks across the sides and flanks. The front of the face is very dark, and the forecrown is red (the red “poll”). Females lack the rosy breast and are instead white-breasted. Common redpolls feed on seeds, catkins, and insects of willow thickets and weedy areas, and voice a fast, buzzing trill or sharp chit notes. The very similar hoary redpoll (Acanthis hornemanni) tends to be whiter overall with less streaking below. The adult male is illustrated.