Redpoll

The redpoll (Carduelis flammea) is a small bird (about five inches long) that is found across a wide swathe of the northern hemisphere, particularly in areas of mountain and tundra. It is resident in most of its range although there are sometimes southward migrations in winter.

  

The bird is sometimes referred to as the common redpoll to distinguish it from the similar looking arctic redpoll (Carduelis flammea). There is also the lesser redpoll (Carduelis cabaret) that is found in the British Isles, central Europe and south-west Scandinavia. 

The preferred habitat of the redpoll is open coniferous and broadleaved woodland (e.g. birch, willow and alder). It is also found on riverbanks, near lakes and swamps, on commons and heaths and on cultivated land (in Britain and Ireland).

Appearance and habits

The upperparts of the redpoll are brown with darker brown streaks. The red cap gives the bird its name. It has a black bib and a white belly. The breast and rump of male redpolls is suffused with crimson in spring. The wings have two pale or white bars.

The legs and eyes are dark brown and the bill, which is finch-like in shape, is mainly yellow.

The redpoll hops when on the ground and has a pronounced bouncy flight. It can often be seen clinging to birch twigs, often upside-down.

Redpolls are generally restless and constantly on the move. Winter flocks, which can be very large, seldom stay in the same place for long.

When flying, the redpoll calls with a metallic “chuch-uch-uch” and this develops into a song with an added “errr”, which is often heard when several males are displaying together and flying loops and circles. Redpolls also have a “jui” call that is feebler and hoarser and not unlike that of a greenfinch; this call is heard when the bird is either nervous or advertising its presence.

Redpolls feed on the seeds of birch, alder and conifers, and also small insects in summer when feeding young birds.

Breeding

Breeding takes place from mid-April to August. A nest is built anything from three to fifteen feet above the ground in a bush or a tree. A cup of moss, bark and lichens is built on a foundation of twigs and rootlets. Four to six eggs are laid, these being incubated by the female for about eleven days. Both birds feed the young with regurgitated food taken from the throat. Fledging takes place after about twelve days. Two broods are sometimes raised.

© John Welford