Common Redpoll (Carduelis flammea)

The Common Redpolls, (Carduelis flammea), is a small, siskin-like songbird.

Description

The Common Redpolls have a distinctive red crown (top of the head), a rosy-colored breast and rump, and whitish flanks. Its plumage has a ‘frosty’ appearance.

This finch has a short stout bill that is well-adapted for crushing seeds.

It is larger than the Lesser Redpoll.

Several subspecies are recognized:

• • Mealy Redpoll (Carduelis flammea)– Nominate Species
    • Breeds across the northern parts of North America and Eurasia.ID: The Mealy Redpoll is larger and paler than the Lesser Redpoll with which it is often seen.
    Common Redpoll (Carduelis flammea islandica)
    • Breeds in Iceland
  • Greenland Redpoll (Carduelis flammea rostrata)
    • Breeds in Greenland and Baffin Island

All races migrate further south in winter into southern Canada, the northern USA, and most of Eurasia.

They are remarkably resistant to cold temperatures. Their winter movements are mainly driven by the availability of food.

Further Finch Reading

• Finch Information
• Index of Finch Species
• Photos of the Different Finch Species for Identification
• Common Health Problems of Finches
• Finch / Canary Diet / Nutrition