Redpoll (Acanthis SPP) Species Guide: Appearance, Diet, Habitat, Behavior, Stats, And Conservation Status

Species Guide | Redpoll (Acanthis spp)

Historically, the Redpoll was sub-divided into 3 separate species; the Common Redpoll (Acanthis flammea), the Lesser Redpoll (Acanthis cabaret) and the Hoary Redpoll or Arctic Redpoll (Acanthis hornemanni). Identification between the species was difficult as the differences were minimal and arguably subjective.

As of July 2024, the International Ornithological Society (IOC) has determined that the three species are genetically identical based on research¹ conducted in 2017 and that the small variations in coloration, size, and beak shape are due to a super-gene. Consequently, the IOC has now grouped the 3 previous species into a single species.

This article is a guide to the Redpoll, and integrates information across the previous 3 species.

APPEARANCE

The Redpoll is a member of the Finch family. They have the typical brown colorations of finches but also sport a red cap and sometimes red coloration on their chests. They are agile birds, and you will often see them performing acrobatics such as hanging upside down in search of food. Males and Females are similar in appearance, the female is typically darker in color with more streaks, and with very little or no red plumage on their chests.

Did You Know? The word Poll is derived from an old English word Polle, and means Head. So the name Redpoll directly translates into Red Head!

Diet

Redpolls eat seeds, especially those of birch and alder trees and plants like sorrel. They will also frequently visit bird feeders eating sunflower and nyjer seeds. Redpolls will migrate in large numbers in search of new food sources when it is in short supply, but will only move short distances when there is an abundance of food available.

HABITAT

They are commonly found in moorland as well as woodland, farmland, and in gardens with seed feeders. They may be spotted pretty much anywhere in the British Isles except on higher ground, in particular during the winter months when numbers are bolstered by migrating birds.

Note that this map is for a rough illustration of animal distribution across the UK², whereby light green indicates established populations.

Behavior

Redpolls are sociable little birds and will form flocks that move amongst the trees in search of food. Breeding pairs typically form in the winter, with nests often formed in close proximity to their social groups. The female takes responsibility for nest building using twigs, grass, moss, leaves, and other plant material. The nest is lined with feathers, wool, and hair. 

The female lays up to 5 eggs which are incubated for 12 to 15 days. During this time the males provide food to the females. Both parents support the nestlings which fledge after a further 9 to 15 days.

STATS

NATURAL PREDATORS

Sparrowhawks are their main predators in the British Isles.

Conservation Status

At the time of writing the conservation status has not been assessed, though it is estimated that there are over 260 thousand⁴ breeding pairs in the U.K. alone.

References

1. Funk, E.R., Mason, N.A., Pálsson, S. et al. A supergene underlies linked variation in color and morphology in a Holarctic songbird. Nat Commun 12, 6833 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-27173-z
2. Population data based on BTO assessment
3. Featherbase
4. BTO