About Acanthis flammea (Linnaeus, 1758)
This species, commonly called the common redpoll, has the scientific name Acanthis flammea (Linnaeus, 1758). The common redpoll is a small finch with a brownish-grey body marked by dark streaks, and a bright red patch on its forehead. It has a black bib and two pale stripes on its wings. The breasts of male individuals are often tinted red. Adult common redpolls measure 11.5 to 14 centimetres (4.5 to 5.5 inches) in length, weigh 12 to 16 grams (0.42 to 0.56 ounces), and have a wingspan ranging from 19 to 22 centimetres (7.5 to 8.7 inches). Its rump is streaked, with a broad dark brown streak running across the vent. It has brown legs, a yellowish bill with a dark tip, and dark brown irises. Its distribution range spans northern Europe and Asia, extending into northern North America, Greenland, and Iceland. It is a partial migrant, moving south in late autumn and returning north in March and April. Its typical habitat is boreal forest made up of pines, spruces, and larches. The subspecies A. f. cabaret was introduced to New Zealand between 1862 and 1875, and is now found across both the North and South Islands of New Zealand, as well as on many outlying islands. Common redpolls feed mainly on very small seeds, especially seeds from birch (Betula) trees. In winter, they feed primarily on birch and alder seeds. During the breeding season, they also eat some invertebrates. They forage mainly in trees, and will occasionally forage on the ground.
