Hoary Redpoll
1. Bird Name
The English name of the bird is Hoary Redpoll, with the scientific (Latin) name being Acanthis hornemanni.
2. Appearance
The Hoary Redpoll is a small songbird boasting a charming coloration of pale gray and white, combined with delectable undertones of rose pink. Its most distinguishing mark is the small red cap or “poll” it has on top of its head. Its body is round, complemented by a short tail and stout bill that is perfectly shaped for seed crushing. The male Hoary Redpoll displays a rosier chest, while the females and juveniles have more streaks on their flanks and undertail coverts, allowing for a moderate distinction between sexes.
3. Size
Hoary Redpoll averages about 12-14 cm (4.7-5.5 in) in length. They have a wingspan of about 20-22 cm (7.9-8.7 in) and are astoundingly lightweight, weighing only around 12-16 g (0.42-0.56 oz).
4. Habitat & Distribution
These birds predominantly inhabit the Arctic regions and are typically found across North America and Eurasia, including countries like Canada, Russia, and Greenland. Their favored habitats are open subarctic coniferous forest and scrub, often near birch or alder trees. In non-breeding seasons, they venture to boreal forests and northern temperate regions.
5. Interesting Facts
An interesting fact about the Hoary Redpoll is that they are known for their impressive tolerance to cold temperatures – withstanding up to -65 degrees Celsius. Also, they can store seeds in a part of their esophagus to consume later, which is a rare adaptation among birds. Their name “Redpoll” was derived from a Norse word “hroth-pol,” signifying a bird with a red cap.
6. Diet
Hoary Redpolls are granivorous birds, whose diet is primarily composed of seeds, particularly those of birch and alder trees. They are also known to consume small insects during the breeding season.
7. Behavior & Sounds
These birds are famous for their social behavior – often seen in flocks, feeding and moving together. They use their sharp bills to break the seeds while hanging upside down. Their calls are characterized as a rapid series of musical ‘chet’ sounds, along with a ‘titi’ or ‘pleet’ sound.
8. Conservation Status
As per the IUCN Red List, the Hoary Redpoll is classified as ‘Least Concern’, indicating that they are not currently under any significant threat of extinction.
9. Lifespan
The average lifespan of a Hoary Redpoll in the wild is about 2-3 years. However, the longest recorded age is a bird that lived for approximately 6 years.
10. Additional Notes
In the Finnish language, the Hoary Redpoll is known as ‘Pikkusirriäinen’. These birds, while tolerant of humans, are not commonly seen in human-dominated landscapes. They play a crucial role in their ecosystems, aiding in seed dispersal and serving as a source of prey for larger predators. Their resilience to harsh weather conditions and ability to store large quantities of seeds make them remarkable members of the Arctic fauna.
