The common redpoll, a member of the finch family, is known for being one of the smallest birds. They are typically found in northern latitudes and have the amazing ability to survive in harsh Arctic tundra environments, despite their delicate physical structure.
What do Common Redpolls look like?
The common redpoll, also called the mealy redpoll, is a bird that shares similarities with the lesser redpoll. It has streaky brown upperparts and whitish underparts with black streaks. Two white lines can be seen on its folded wings. The red “poll,” or crimson crown, is a distinctive feature in identifying this bird. Male common redpolls have pinkish streaking across their breast and rump, a black chin patch, and a short, conical yellow bill with dark gray tips. Their eyes are dark brown, and their legs are brown as well. Females look similar to males, but their plumage is darker and more streaked, with red only visible on their crown. Their chin patch is more rounded than that of the male, and not as richly black.
During winter months, both male and female common redpolls become paler than the deeper tones seen in summer. Juvenile common redpolls resemble adult females, with an all-over brown, streaky appearance and darker markings across their head. Unlike adults, they do not have a red patch on their crown, breast, or rump. Their underparts have an off-white, buff wash.
Do you ever wonder about the size of common redpolls? Well, let me tell you, they’re bigger than lesser redpolls and just about the same size as other finches like the house finch and American goldfinch. Interestingly, there is no noticeable difference in size between male and female redpolls. In terms of measurements, common redpolls range from 12 cm to 14 cm (4.7 in to 5.5 in) in length, have a wingspan of 20 cm to 25 cm (7.9 in to 9.8 in), and weigh between 12 g to 16 g (0.4 oz to 0.6 oz).
Have you ever wondered what sounds a Common Redpoll makes? Well, you’re in luck because these little birds have three main calls that can be easily recognized. When perched or in flight, they make a chattering call that is quite common. While feeding or trying to round up their young, they emit a nasal whistle that can also serve as a contact call. Lastly, when they sense danger, they use a rattle to alert other birds in the vicinity.
The Common Redpoll is a bird species that primarily feeds on seeds from spruce, alder, and birch trees. During summer, they also consume insects. These birds are extremely agile and entertaining to watch as they hang upside-down and carefully extract small seeds from catkins. Their chicks, on the other hand, rely on insects and spiders as their main source of food, supplemented with tiny seeds.
The Common Redpoll can be found in coniferous forests and tundra landscapes, as well as in heathland with birch scrub, willows, rowan, alder, juniper, spruce, and pine. During the winter, they move inland from coastal scrublands in search of food.
They have a wide distribution range that spans across northern latitudes of Europe, Asia, northern North America, Greenland, and Iceland. In the winter, they shift southwards, extending their range further into the United States and scattered sites across northern Europe.
Russia has the largest population of Common Redpolls, estimated between 10 million to 100 million. The highest concentrations are reported in Iceland, Sweden, Finland, and Norway. The North American population is estimated at around 200,000, while in Europe figures are estimated at up to 2.4 million, with a further 10 to 100 million in Russia.
Although they breed in Arctic landscapes, they may spread southwards when conditions are particularly harsh. In colder years, sightings become less of a rarity across much of the northern US. Breeding pairs in the UK are exceedingly rare, with only around 12 pairs annually, although this number increases to around 335 individuals in winter.
During the winter months, you might be lucky enough to spot the charming Common Redpolls in North America. These delightful birds can usually be found nesting in Alaska and certain parts of northern Canada. After breeding season ends, many of them migrate southward towards southern Canada and the northern half of the US between September and December. While the best chance to glimpse them is during May, sightings are never guaranteed.
If you’re in the UK, keep your eyes peeled for these feathered friends on the eastern coast of Scotland and England during autumn and winter. However, it’s important to note that seeing them can never be guaranteed. As migrant birds, Common Redpolls typically visit the UK from October to April before departing for their breeding grounds in Greenland, Iceland, and northern Eurasia. So, make sure to keep your binoculars handy and stay on the lookout for these lovely birds.
What is the lifespan of Common Redpolls and what are their predators?
Common Redpolls in the wild typically live for two to three years, although some have been known to survive for over nine years. In captivity, they may live up to 25 years. Adult Common Redpolls face threats from predators such as sparrowhawks, merlins, jays, owls, great-grey shrikes, squirrels, crows, and cats. To protect these birds, laws such as the United States Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1917 and the UK Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1918 prohibit the killing, capture, injury, or import/export of Common Redpolls or their eggs. Even though they are classified as a species of least concern globally, Common Redpolls in the UK have Red status on the British Birds of Conservation Concern list due to their limited breeding numbers. Nevertheless, recent population data suggests that there has been a slight increase in both breeding and wintering numbers in the UK.
The Common Redpoll is a bird that nests in various locations such as branches of alder, spruce or willow trees, and dense bushes in tundra landscapes. Males and females check out suitable nest sites together before the female begins construction. The nest is made up of an outer layer of twigs, an internal layer of bark, roots and lichen, and an inner lining of down, buds, and reindeer fur. Common Redpolls start nesting in May or June, but in some locations like Canada’s Northwest Territories, laying may begin as early as April. They usually lay between three to seven eggs, which are pale greenish-white to icy blue and marked with pale reddish-lilac spotting. The female alone incubates the eggs for 11 days while being brought food by the male. Second broods are common and are usually completed by September. It is unlikely that Common Redpolls mate for life, with pairs usually staying together for only one breeding season and finding new mates the following year. Pairs typically raise two broods together in a typical season.
Do Common Redpolls exhibit aggressive behavior? Despite their small size, Common Redpolls can be quite confrontational towards intruders that get too close to their nests. They may nip or mob them in an effort to protect their young. However, they are generally social birds and can be seen flocking with other finches during the winter months. So where do these birds sleep at night? It has been observed that they roost in large flocks of up to 1000 birds on expanses of birch scrubland. Additionally, they may create snow chambers and roost in small tunnels beneath the surface of the snow to conserve body heat.
Do Common Redpolls Migrate?
Common redpolls are known to be partial migrants, meaning that they may or may not migrate depending on the availability of food and the local climate conditions. If their breeding grounds have enough food and the climate is tolerable, they are likely to stay there year-round. However, if the temperature becomes too cold or food resources are scarce, they would migrate south.
In northern Eurasia, including the Arctic landscapes of Siberia and Russia, common redpolls commonly migrate during winter, temporarily moving southwards into Scandinavia, the British Isles, and parts of continental Europe.
In North America, common redpolls breed in Alaska and across most of Canada. After breeding, some individuals may remain in their breeding territories if they have enough food, while others may migrate southward.
Although only a few pairs of common redpolls breed in the UK each year, they are joined by a few hundred winter arrivals. It is rare for them to be resident in the British Isles all year round, as their breeding and wintering grounds are typically found further north.
A group of Common Redpolls soaring through the air.
