Species Profile
Common Redpoll
Acanthis flammea
Common Redpoll
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
2–5 years
Length
11.5–14 cm
Weight
10–18 g
Wingspan
19–22 cm
Migration
Irruptive migrant
Also known as: Redpoll, Mealy Redpoll
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Appearance
The Common Redpoll is a small, streaky finch with a distinctive red forehead patch and black chin. Its body is primarily brown and white, with streaked flanks and a small, pointed yellow bill. Males display a rosy pink wash on their chest and rump.
Females are similar but lack the pink coloration, appearing more buff-brown overall. Juveniles resemble females but lack the red forehead patch until their first molt.
Identification & Characteristics
Male Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- Red
- Beak
- Yellow
- Legs
- Black
Female Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- Buff
- Beak
- Yellow
- Legs
- Black
Female Markings
Less red on breast and face compared to males
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Common Redpolls inhabit boreal forests, open woodland, and Arctic tundra across northern North America, Europe, and Asia. They breed in these northern regions, including Alaska, Canada, Scandinavia, and Siberia.
During winter, they may move southward in search of food, occasionally reaching the northern United States, UK, and central Europe in large numbers during irruptive years.
Distribution
Where to See This Bird
Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.
Northern Ireland
Scotland
Rutland
Bedfordshire
Cheshire
Cumbria
Derbyshire
East Riding of Yorkshire
Hampshire
Herefordshire
Hertfordshire
Kent
Leicestershire
Manchester
West Midlands
Norfolk
Northamptonshire
Nottinghamshire
South Yorkshire
Tyne and Wear
Suffolk
Shropshire
Surrey
Staffordshire
Warwickshire
West Yorkshire
Worcestershire
West Sussex
Diet
Common Redpolls mainly feed on small seeds, especially those of birch, alder, and other northern trees. They also consume buds, catkins, and insects during the breeding season.
Their specialized oesophagus allows them to store seeds temporarily, enabling feeding in exposed areas before retreating to shelter.
Behaviour
Common Redpolls are highly social, often seen in large, twittering flocks during winter. They are agile feeders, frequently hanging upside down on branch tips or seed heads to reach food.
During the breeding season, males perform aerial displays, singing while flying in wide circles to attract mates.
Calls & Sounds
Common Redpolls have a variety of calls, including a characteristic 'chut-chut-chut' in flight and a 'swee-ee-eet' contact call.
Their song, often heard during the breeding season, is a rapid series of trills and twitters, sometimes described as 'per-chik-o-ree' or 'chutta-chutta-chutta-chew'.
Nesting & Breeding
Common Redpolls form monogamous pairs during the breeding season, which typically begins in late spring. Males court females with aerial displays and soft warbling songs.
Nests are built by females, usually in low shrubs or on the ground. They are cup-shaped and constructed with twigs, grass, and moss, lined with feathers and plant down. Females lay 4-6 pale blue-green eggs with reddish-brown spots.
Incubation lasts about 11 days, performed solely by the female. Both parents feed the nestlings, which fledge after 9-14 days but remain dependent on adults for another two weeks.
Conservation
While currently listed as Least Concern, Common Redpolls face threats from climate change affecting their breeding habitats. Conservation efforts focus on protecting boreal forests and Arctic tundra ecosystems.
Providing winter food sources in southern regions can also support populations during irruption years.
Elevation
Sea level to 3,000 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Common Redpolls are preyed upon by various raptors, including Merlins, Sharp-shinned Hawks, and owls. Ground predators like foxes and weasels may also target nests.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for flocks feeding on birch or alder trees in winter
- Listen for their distinctive 'chut-chut-chut' call while in flight
- Check backyard feeders during irruption years in southern parts of their range
- Observe their acrobatic feeding behavior, often hanging upside down
Did You Know?
- Common Redpolls can survive temperatures as low as -65°C (-85°F).
- They have a special pouch in their oesophagus to store seeds for later consumption.
- During severe weather, these birds may tunnel into snow for insulation and protection.
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