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Common Redpoll

(Carduelis flammea)

Photo: Ron Austing

Size             : 5 - 5.5 inches long (13 - 14 cm)

Description      : Male   - Pink breast; pale, brown-streaked, bright red cap and black chin
                   Female - Like male, but without the pink on breast

Preferred Habitat: Tundra, dwarf arctic birch in summer; open country, grain and hay fields, weed patches in winter
 
Preferred food   : Seeds, esp. birch and alder; at the feeder it will accept nyjer, sunflower, mixed, and millet seeds;
		   will feed both on the ground and at higher levels; salt block is major attraction; love fresh water,
                   both for drinking and bathing  
                   
Breeding Range   : Arctic; Newfoundland west to Alaska, east to coastal Greenland

Winter Range     : Wanders irregularly; south to Virginia, west through Nebraska to northern Oregon

Interesting Facts:- A finch
		  - Appearances sporadic; home is in the Far North - going 'south', in some years, may mean only as far
                    as southern Canada and in other years it may extend down to the middle of the U.S.
                  - Spend much time on the ground, often in dense weeds
                  - Tame, trusting & allow close approach, trait which often makes them easy prey
		  - Voice: twitter; call: rattle 
                  - Nest is cup-shaped and made of twigs and other plant material, lining is of feathers, hair, or down
 	          - Female alone incubates eggs
                  - Clutch size: 5 - 6 eggs; Incubation period: 14 - 15 days; nestling period: 12 - 14 days;
                    broods per season: 1 - 2