Lesser Redpoll Bird Facts (Acanthis cabaret)

Visual Identification

Appearance

The Lesser Redpoll is a small, streaky finch with a distinctive red forehead patch. Its brown upperparts are heavily streaked, contrasting with a paler, streaked underside. Males have a rosy-red breast and rump, which is especially prominent during the breeding season.

Females are similar but lack the red breast, showing only a hint of pink on the face. Juveniles resemble females but lack the red forehead patch. Winter plumage in both sexes is generally duller.

Size

Length

11cm to 13cm

Wingspan

20cm to 22.5cm

Weight

9g to 12g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Brown Red

Secondary Colour

White Buff

Beak Colour

Yellow

Leg Colour

Brown

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Lesser Redpoll can be found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Lesser Redpoll can be found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Lesser Redpoll is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Lesser Redpoll is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Lesser Redpoll is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Lesser Redpoll is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Lesser Redpoll is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Lesser Redpoll is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Lesser Redpoll is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Lesser Redpoll is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Lesser Redpoll is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Lesser Redpoll is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Lesser Redpolls inhabit open woodlands, particularly those with birch and alder trees. They are also found in parks, gardens, and coniferous plantations. Their range extends across much of northern Europe, including the UK and Ireland.

During winter, many birds move southward within Europe, with some reaching as far as southern France and northern Italy. They are year-round residents in the UK but show local movements in search of food.

In the UK, prime breeding areas for lesser redpolls are found in Scotland, Wales and northern and eastern England. Fewer breeding grounds are located in central, southern, and southwest England. However, some nesting occurs in these regions, and there is an increased presence of the species in these areas during the winter months.

Elevation Range

Sea level to 2,000 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subarctic

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Lesser Redpoll. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
How birds move around during different seasons

Resident

Breeding

Non-breeding

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year

Australia Austria Germany Ireland Italy New Zealand Poland Romania Slovakia Switzerland The United Kingdom

Species that are present in the area during their breeding season

Denmark Norway Sweden

Species that are present in the area outside their breeding season

Belgium France Netherlands

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:

Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

0-20: Very Low
21-40: Low
41-60: Average
61-80: High
81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 85

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

The Lesser Redpoll demonstrates remarkable agility, particularly in its acrobatic feeding behaviour. Its ability to hang upside-down whilst foraging and perform elaborate flight displays during courtship indicates a high level of manoeuvrability and aerial prowess.

Strength 30

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

As a small finch weighing only 9-12 grams, the Lesser Redpoll has limited physical strength. However, its ability to extract seeds from small cones and catkins suggests some degree of specialised strength in its beak and neck muscles.

Adaptability 75

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

Lesser Redpolls show considerable adaptability, inhabiting various environments from sea level to 2,000 metres elevation. Their ability to survive extreme cold temperatures (down to -50°C) and form mixed flocks with other species demonstrates significant adaptive capabilities.

Aggressiveness 25

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

While Lesser Redpolls are not typically aggressive birds, males do establish and defend territories during breeding season. Their social nature and tendency to form flocks suggest a generally peaceful disposition, with aggression likely limited to breeding-related behaviours.

Endurance 70

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

The Lesser Redpoll's endurance is evidenced by its partial migratory behaviour and ability to withstand harsh winter conditions. Their capacity for local movements in search of food and the potential to raise two broods in a season also indicates good stamina, though their small size may limit extended periods of activity.

Diet

Lesser Redpolls primarily feed on small seeds, particularly those of birch, alder, and other trees. When seeds are in shorter supply, they supplement their diet with buds, catkins, small insects and caterpillars, especially during breeding.

They feed mainly in trees but can also be seen foraging on the ground and visiting back garden bird feeders . Their fine, pointed beaks are well-adapted for extracting seeds from small cones and catkins.

Behaviour

Lesser Redpolls are highly social, often seen in small flocks outside the breeding season. They are acrobatic feeders, frequently hanging upside-down to reach seeds on thin branches.

During courtship, males perform elaborate flight displays, rising high and descending in wide circles while singing.

Vocalisation

Lesser Redpolls have a variety of calls and songs. Their most common call is a rapid, twittering 'chuch-uch-uch' often given in flight. The song is a more extended version of this call, interspersed with buzzing trills.

During courtship, males produce a soft, warbling song that sounds like 'swee-ee-eet'.

Nesting & Breeding

Breeding season for Lesser Redpolls typically begins in late April or early May. Males establish territories and attract females with their flight displays and songs. Pairs form monogamous bonds for the breeding season.

Nests are usually built in trees or shrubs, often in birch or alder. The female constructs a small, cup-shaped nest using twigs, grass, and moss, lined with feathers and plant down. A typical clutch consists of 4-6 pale blue-green eggs with reddish-brown spots.

Incubation lasts about 11-12 days, and the female performs it solely. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after 11-14 days. If conditions are favourable, pairs may raise two broods in a season.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Not Evaluated

Lesser Redpoll populations have experienced declines in parts of their range, particularly in the UK.

Conservation efforts focus on maintaining suitable habitats, including birch and alder woodlands, which are crucial for their survival.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

260,000 breeding pairs (UK)

Global Population Trend

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Common Redpoll

Family:

Fringillidae

Average Lifespan

2 to 5 years

Predators

Lesser Redpolls are preyed upon by various birds of prey, including Sparrowhawks, Merlins, and Kestrels. Domestic cats also pose a threat, especially in garden environments.

Did You Know?

Lesser Redpolls can survive temperatures as low as -50°C thanks to their dense plumage.
Their scientific name, 'Acanthis', is derived from the Greek word for 'thistle', referring to their fondness for thistle seeds.
Lesser Redpolls can form mixed flocks with other finch species, particularly during winter.