Common Redpoll

The Common Redpoll, also known as the Mealy Redpoll (Acanthis flammea), is a small finch species renowned for its resilience in cold climates and its distinctive appearance. This bird is a familiar sight in the northern regions of North America and Eurasia, where it breeds and forages in shrubby and thicketed habitats.

The Common Redpoll is a small, brownish-grey finch with distinct markings and a bright red patch on its forehead, making it easily recognizable. The bird also features a black bib, two pale stripes on its wings, and, in males, a red wash across the breast.

Physical Characteristics

• Size: Adult Common Redpolls measure between 11.5 and 14 centimeters (4.5 and 5.5 inches) in length.
• Weight: They weigh between 12 and 16 grams (0.42 and 0.56 ounces).
• Wingspan: The wingspan ranges from 19 to 22 centimeters (7.5 to 8.7 inches).
• Coloration: The rump is streaked, and the bird has a broad dark brown streak across the vent. The legs are brown, the bill is dark-tipped and yellowish, and the irises are dark brown.

Comparison with Arctic Redpoll

The Common Redpoll is often compared to the Arctic Redpoll (Acanthis hornemanni), another member of the genus. While both species share similar habitats, they can be distinguished by several physical characteristics:

Taxonomy

The Common Redpoll belongs to the genus Acanthis, within the finch family Fringillidae. The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758 in his 10th edition of Systema Naturae under the binomial name Fringilla flammea. The genus Acanthis is derived from the Ancient Greek word akanthis, referring to a small bird, while the species name flammea is Latin for “flame-colored,” likely referencing the bird’s red forehead patch.

Subspecies

The Common Redpoll has several recognized subspecies, each adapted to different geographical regions:

1. A. f. flammea (Mealy Redpoll): The nominate subspecies, which breeds across northern North America and the Palearctic.
2. A. f. islandica (Icelandic Redpoll): Breeds in Iceland, with some taxonomists recognizing two distinct populations within this subspecies—one lighter and one darker.
3. A. f. rostrata (Greenland Redpoll): Found in Greenland and Baffin Island, known for its larger size and darker plumage.

Some authorities also consider the Lesser Redpoll (Acanthis cabaret) a subspecies of the Common Redpoll, though this classification is still debated.

Distribution and Range

The Common Redpoll has a broad distribution across the northern parts of North America and the Palearctic, extending into parts of Eurasia. It breeds in areas with thickets, shrubs, and open woodlands, typically just south of the range of the Arctic Redpoll.

Global Distribution

Winter Range

In winter, the Common Redpoll migrates southward, often reaching more temperate regions in southern Canada, the northern United States, and across Eurasia. These movements are primarily driven by food availability, particularly the abundance of seeds.

Population and Conservation Status

The Common Redpoll is a widespread and abundant species, with population estimates in the tens of millions globally. It is classified as a species of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), reflecting its stable population trend.

Population Estimates

Habitat

The Common Redpoll prefers habitats with dense shrubs, thickets, and open woodlands, particularly in boreal and subarctic regions. During the breeding season, they are typically found in areas with abundant willow, birch, and alder trees, which provide nesting sites and food sources.

Habitat Preferences

• Breeding Habitat: Thickets, open woodlands, and areas with dense shrubs.
• Winter Habitat: Similar to breeding habitats, but also includes urban areas, gardens, and fields where seeds are plentiful.

Behavior

The Common Redpoll is a highly social bird, often forming large flocks during the non-breeding season. These flocks can number in the hundreds, especially during irruptive years when food sources are abundant in southern regions.

Vocalization and Communication

The Common Redpoll is known for its chattering and twittering calls, which are used for communication within flocks. Males also sing a distinctive, high-pitched warble during the breeding season to attract mates and establish territory.

Feeding

The diet of the Common Redpoll consists primarily of seeds, particularly those from birch, alder, and willow trees. In winter, they also consume seeds from various weedy plants and grasses. Their small, pointed bills are well adapted for extracting seeds from catkins and cones.

Feeding Habits

• Seasonal Diet:
  • Spring and Summer: Mainly birch, alder, and willow seeds, supplemented by insects.
  • Autumn and Winter: Seeds from weeds, grasses, and human-provided sources such as bird feeders.
• Foraging Behavior: Often forages in flocks, using their agile flight to move between trees and shrubs in search of seeds.

Breeding

The breeding season for the Common Redpoll begins in late spring, with nesting typically occurring in dense shrubs or trees. The female builds a cup-shaped nest from twigs, grass, and feathers, which is well insulated to protect against cold temperatures.

Breeding Characteristics

• Clutch Size: Typically 4-6 eggs.
• Egg Description: Pale green or blue, with fine reddish-brown speckles.
• Incubation Period: About 11-12 days, with the female primarily responsible for incubation.
• Fledging: Young redpolls leave the nest around 12-14 days after hatching but remain dependent on their parents for several weeks.

Breeding Data

Threats

While the Common Redpoll is not currently endangered, it faces several potential threats, including habitat loss, climate change, and predation. However, due to its wide distribution and adaptability, these threats have not significantly impacted the overall population.

Specific Threats

• Habitat Loss: Deforestation and land-use changes can reduce the availability of suitable breeding and foraging habitats.
• Climate Change: Shifts in climate could alter the availability of key food resources, particularly in the boreal forests where redpolls breed.
• Predation: Natural predators include hawks, owls, and other birds of prey, particularly during migration and in wintering areas.

Migration

The Common Redpoll is a migratory species, with movements primarily driven by the availability of food. In years when seed crops are poor in their northern breeding grounds, they may undertake irruptive migrations, moving far south of their typical range.

Migration Patterns

Conclusion

The Common Redpoll is a remarkable species that has adapted to thrive in some of the harshest climates on Earth. Its resilience, combined with its distinctive appearance and behavior, makes it a favorite among birdwatchers and researchers alike. Despite facing some challenges, the species remains abundant and widespread, with a stable population across its vast range.

For those interested in the natural world, the Common Redpoll offers an intriguing glimpse into the lives of birds that have evolved to survive in extreme conditions. Whether observed flitting through the branches of a boreal forest or visiting a backyard feeder during a winter irruption, the Common Redpoll is a species that continues to captivate and inspire.