Common Redpoll Bird Facts- Canadian Wildlife Education Series

The Common Redpoll (Acanthis flammea) is an attractive small finch known for its black face, reddish cap and short yellow bill. The male has a rosy breast, while the female does not. Juveniles have similar colouring to adult females. Both sexes are 4-6 inches long with a wingspan of 7-9 inches. They weigh a mere 0.4-0.7 oz.

The Common Redpoll inhabits open woodlands, boreal and birch forests. They are active foragers that consume very small seeds and insects. They join flocks during non-breeding times. In spite of their small size, they are a true northern bird that survives in cold regions with very harsh winters. When food is scarce, the Common Redpoll will travel further south. Generally they are only found in North America during the winter season every other year. Common Redpolls have a throat pouch where they temporarily store seeds. They can be seen rapidly filling their pouches then fly away to eat the seeds in a protected area. Common Redpolls use their feet to hold their food and will often feed upside down. They have a preference for bird feeders with thistle seed.

During breeding season they inhabit open coniferous forests and shrubs in subarctic regions. They tend to avoid dense forests. In the winter they inhabit open woodlands, scrub, fields and tall weedy areas. The Common Redpoll builds its nest in bushy thickets or small trees. The nest is an open bowl shape with fine twigs and grass, lined with a collection of hair and feathers. The female lays 2-7 pale blue to green eggs. The egg is spotted with purple at the largest end. Chicks are born helpless with very little down for warmth.

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