A pale Arctic finch closely related to common redpoll. The "frosty" version of the common redpoll.

Also called: Arctic Redpoll

Native status: Native to North America

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 11–20 cm (4.3–8 in); wingspan 18–32 cm
Weight9–60 g
LifespanWild 3–12 years
OrderPasseriformes
FamilyFringillidae

§ Encyclopedia

The redpoll is a species of small passerine bird in the finch family Fringillidae. It is the only species placed in the genus Acanthis. It breeds in the Arctic and north temperate Holarctic tundra and taiga. The redpoll was formerly widely treated as three species: the common or mealy redpoll, the arctic or hoary redpoll, and the lesser redpoll.

Source: Wikipedia — Redpoll Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Very pale, frosty redpoll with a small red forehead, a stubby bill, an unstreaked or lightly streaked white rump, and clean white underparts (males with a faint pink wash).

Similar species. Common Redpoll is browner and more heavily streaked with a streaked rump; Hoary looks 'washed out' with a pushed-in bill.

Voice. Calls like Common Redpoll — a dry rattle and buzzy notes.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Seeds (specialized for many species), occasional insects.

Behavior. An even more cold-adapted redpoll of the high Arctic; mixes with Common Redpolls in winter flocks and is told by its frostier, paler plumage.

§ Range

Arctic Canada and Alaska

§ Habitat

Arctic willow and birch scrub

§ Threats

Climate change in Arctic habitats.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the hoary redpoll is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support Arctic conservation.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Cornell Lab of Ornithology — All About Birds
  • National Audubon Society
  • iNaturalist
  • IUCN Red List