Name: Common Redpoll

Description: The Common Redpoll is a member of the winter Finches, a group of Finches that breed in northern Canada and are generally only seen in southern, more populated areas during the winter season. A frequent visitor to backyard feeders, this lively bird is extremely social and constantly moving. Even when resting at night, members of the flock fidget and twitter. The Common Redpoll is a small bird named for its red forehead. It feeds on small branches, often hanging upside down, using its feet to hold food. It frequently visits bird feeders, especially thistle feeders.

Other Names: Lesser Redpoll, Linnet, Holboell's Redpoll and Greater Redpoll

Color: The Common Redpoll is pale and brown-streaked with a bright red cap and black chin. The male has pink breast and the female is darker and streakier with little or no red, except on her crown.

Sound: The Common Redpoll’s call is a series of chittering notes with some rising, questioning notes.

Preferred Environment: The Common Redpoll breeds in open, sub-Arctic coniferous forests and scrub. It avoids dense forests and winters in open woodland and scrub, weedy fields and suburban and urban areas.

Nesting Habits: The Common Redpoll's nest is an open cup of fine twigs, rootlets and grasses lined with a thick layer of feathers or hair. The bird nests in a small trees or shrubs. During the long Arctic night, Common Redpolls sleep in snow tunnels to keep warm.

Food Preference: The Common Redpoll feeds on niger, sunflower and suet.