Species Profile

Lesser Redpoll

Acanthis cabaret

Lesser Redpoll

Quick Facts

Conservation

NENot Evaluated

Lifespan

2–5 years

Length

11–13 cm

Weight

9–12 g

Wingspan

20–22.5 cm

Migration

Partial migrant

A tiny finch, only marginally larger than a blue tit, flits through woodlands and gardens, charming birdwatchers with its acrobatic feeding habits and cheerful calls.

Also known as: Common Redpoll

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Gallery

Lesser Redpoll perched on a branch, Warwickshire, UK

Appearance

The Lesser Redpoll is a small, streaky finch with a distinctive red forehead patch. Its brown upperparts are heavily streaked, contrasting with a paler, streaked underside. Males have a rosy-red breast and rump, which is especially prominent during the breeding season.

Females are similar but lack the red breast, showing only a hint of pink on the face. Juveniles resemble females but lack the red forehead patch. Winter plumage in both sexes is generally duller.

Identification & Characteristics

Colors

Primary: Brown
Secondary: White
Beak: Yellow
Legs: Brown

Attributes

Agility85/100

Strength30/100

Adaptability75/100

Aggression25/100

Endurance70/100

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

Lesser Redpolls inhabit open woodlands, particularly those with birch and alder trees. They are also found in parks, gardens, and coniferous plantations. Their range extends across much of northern Europe, including the UK and Ireland.

During winter, many birds move southward within Europe, with some reaching as far as southern France and northern Italy. They are year-round residents in the UK but show local movements in search of food.

In the UK, prime breeding areas for lesser redpolls are found in Scotland, Wales and northern and eastern England. Fewer breeding grounds are located in central, southern, and southwest England. However, some nesting occurs in these regions, and there is an increased presence of the species in these areas during the winter months.

Distribution

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Diet

Lesser Redpolls primarily feed on small seeds, particularly those of birch, alder, and other trees. When seeds are in shorter supply, they supplement their diet with buds, catkins, small insects and caterpillars, especially during breeding.

They feed mainly in trees but can also be seen foraging on the ground and visiting back garden bird feeders . Their fine, pointed beaks are well-adapted for extracting seeds from small cones and catkins.

Behaviour

Lesser Redpolls are highly social, often seen in small flocks outside the breeding season. They are acrobatic feeders, frequently hanging upside-down to reach seeds on thin branches.

During courtship, males perform elaborate flight displays, rising high and descending in wide circles while singing.

Calls & Sounds

Lesser Redpolls have a variety of calls and songs. Their most common call is a rapid, twittering 'chuch-uch-uch' often given in flight. The song is a more extended version of this call, interspersed with buzzing trills.

During courtship, males produce a soft, warbling song that sounds like 'swee-ee-eet'.

Nesting & Breeding

Breeding season for Lesser Redpolls typically begins in late April or early May. Males establish territories and attract females with their flight displays and songs. Pairs form monogamous bonds for the breeding season.

Nests are usually built in trees or shrubs, often in birch or alder. The female constructs a small, cup-shaped nest using twigs, grass, and moss, lined with feathers and plant down. A typical clutch consists of 4-6 pale blue-green eggs with reddish-brown spots.

Incubation lasts about 11-12 days, and the female performs it solely. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after 11-14 days. If conditions are favourable, pairs may raise two broods in a season.

Conservation

Lesser Redpoll populations have experienced declines in parts of their range, particularly in the UK.

Conservation efforts focus on maintaining suitable habitats, including birch and alder woodlands, which are crucial for their survival.

NENot Evaluated

Population

Estimated: 260,000 breeding pairs (UK)

Trend: Decreasing

Elevation

Sea level to 2,000 meters

Additional Details

Predators:: Lesser Redpolls are preyed upon by various birds of prey, including Sparrowhawks, Merlins, and Kestrels. Domestic cats also pose a threat, especially in garden environments.

Birdwatching Tips

Look for small, active flocks in birch and alder trees
Listen for their distinctive 'chuch-uch-uch' call while feeding
Observe their acrobatic feeding behaviour, often hanging upside-down
In the UK, check garden feeders, especially those with niger seeds

Did You Know?

Lesser Redpolls can survive temperatures as low as -50°C thanks to their dense plumage.
Their scientific name, 'Acanthis', is derived from the Greek word for 'thistle', referring to their fondness for thistle seeds.
Lesser Redpolls can form mixed flocks with other finch species, particularly during winter.