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Great winter for Common Redpolls

Common RedpollCommon Redpoll
One of the most enjoyable visitors to bird feeders in winter are redpolls. The common redpoll is a small goldfinch sized bird that is very active and vocal when in groups. The most distinguishing feature of redpolls is the red-colored patch on their forehead and a black chin. The males have some pink splashed on the chest, while females have no pink. During the summer, they are located further north and to them, our winters are southern vacations if you can believe it :).

Redpoll numbers are quite variable, as they can occur in great numbers one winter and be completely absent the next. This winter, I have had the pleasure to be feeding over 50 redpolls at times. They go exclusively to the nyger, or thistle seed tube feeders.

Here are some links to identification and life history of the common redpoll.

Also, included are links to the close relative to the Common Redpoll, the Hoary Redpoll. When you get large numbers of redpolls, take a close look at each individual as there may be a rare hoary amounst them.

There is a couple of other sites worth mentioning for redpoll identification. One is a posting on Sibley Guides Notebook, called Redpoll Identification. The other is from Biological Ramblings, Redpoll resourses

Backyard bird feeding is a great past time and wintertime is espically fun as it brings vistors that you do not see in the summer. In addition, your helping wildlife at a critical time of the year. Every bit helps !

Here are some links to help you in your winter bird feeding.

Common Redpolls at feedersCommon Redpolls at feeders