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Lesser Redpoll

©Margaret Holland

Lesser redpoll

Traditionally a small finch of woodland and scrub, it appears that the lesser redpoll is now moving into our gardens. It has a streaky brown body, red forehead and black bib, and mostly feeds on seeds.

Scientific name

Acanthis cabaret

When to see

January to December

Species information

Statistics

Length: 12-13cm Wingspan: 22cm Weight: 11g Average Lifespan: 2 years
Classified in the UK as Red under the Birds of Conservation Concern 4: the Red List for Birds (2021). Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. Priority Species under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework.

About

The lesser redpoll is a small finch of mixed woodland, birch scrub and wet woodland. It spends much of its time feeding on seeds and invertebrates in tall trees, especially Birch, Alder and Larch. It has recently been split from the Common Redpoll to form a separate species. It can be seen in flocks, often with Siskins, and is becoming a more common garden visitor.

How to identify

A very streaky brown finch, the lesser redpoll has a small black bib, and a distinctive red forehead.

Distribution

Widespread.

Did you know?

There are three species of Redpoll, all of which appear in the UK: the lesser redpoll which nests here, the Mealy or Common Redpoll which nests in Europe and comes here in the winter, and the Arctic Redpoll which is a very rare winter visitor.