About the Redpoll
The redpoll is a species of small passerine bird in the finch family Fringillidae. It is the only species placed in the genus Acanthis. It breeds in the Arctic and north temperate Holarctic tundra and taiga. The redpoll was formerly widely treated as three species: the common or mealy redpoll, the arctic or hoary redpoll, and the lesser redpoll.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The redpoll is a small brownish-grey finch with dark streaks and a bright red patch on its forehead. It has a black bib and two pale stripes on the wings. Males' breasts are often suffused with red. Adults measure between 11.5 and 14 centimetres (4.5 and 5.5 in) in length and weighing between 12 and 16 grams (0.42 and 0.56 oz). Wingspan ranges from 7.5 to 8.7 in (19–22 cm). The rump is streaked and there is a broad dark brown streak across the vent. It has brown legs, a dark-tipped yellowish bill and dark brown irises.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Redpoll sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Taiwan, Portugal, Uzbekistan.
When to see it
Peak activity in October · a variable species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Purple FinchHaemorhous purpureusThe purple finch is 12–16 cm (4.7–6.3 in) in overall length and weighs a mean 23.3 g (0.82 oz), ranging from 19.8 to 28.4 g (0.7 - 1.0 oz).
Eurasian SiskinSpinus spinusThe siskin is a small, short-tailed bird, 11–12.5 centimetres (4.3–4.9 in) in length with a wingspan that ranges from 20 to 23 centimetres (7.9 to 9.1 in).
Pine SiskinSpinus pinusThese birds are fairly small, being around the same size as the widespread American goldfinch.
Side by side: Pine Siskin vs Redpoll · Purple Finch vs Redpoll · Eurasian Siskin vs Redpoll
Learn the Redpoll for real
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