Lesser Redpoll or Arctic Redpoll?
Here's how to tell the difference
Lesser Redpoll
Arctic Redpoll
Lesser Redpoll
Acanthis cabaret
General appearance
The lesser redpoll is a small, finch-like bird, noted for its slender shape. It exhibits a distinctive red poll (crown) on the head, black bib, pale, streaked tummy and brown back. The tail is black on top with white undertail coverts. Its wings bear dark brown feathers with two striking white wing bars.
Male vs female
Males and females are similar, but males are easily identified by their red breast and face, most evident in spring and summer. In contrast, females are duller, largely buff-colored with less extensive red markings. Both sexes have lighter, less vivid hues during autumn and winter.
Juvenile
Juvenile lesser redpolls are similar to adults apart from their lack of red coloration. They are mainly brown-grey with streaks and have a yellowish bill. The red cap and breast become apparent after the first moult.
Size
4.5 - 4.9 in/0.4 - 0.8 oz
There's more to learn about Lesser Redpoll
View full detailsArctic Redpoll
Acanthis hornemanni
Also known as: Hoary Redpoll
General appearance
The Arctic Redpoll is a small bird roughly the size of a sparrow, measuring between 4.5-5.5 inches (11-14cm). Its most distinctive features include a 'frosty' or paler appearance compared to the Common Redpoll, generally unmarked white plumage on its rump, flanks, and undertail coverts. Furthermore, its tail shape can either be notched or square-tipped.
Male vs female
Identification of male Arctic Redpolls can be discerned primarily from the paleness of their pink chest compared to females. Though similar to females in size, the males' unique coloration and stubbier looking bill separate them from their counterparts.
Juvenile
While the document does not provide specific details regarding juvenile Arctic Redpolls, they can be slightly harder to identify than the adults due to them undergoing a moulting process where their plumage and markings may differ, and might appear to have more similarities with the Common Redpoll. As such, age and maturity play roles in the visual identification of the species.
Size
4.7 - 5.5 in/0.4 - 0.7 oz
There's more to learn about Arctic Redpoll
View full detailsHow to tell the Lesser Redpoll from the Arctic Redpoll
Visual differences
The Lesser Redpoll is smaller and more streaked, with a slender shape, brown back, and distinct red poll and black bib. It has dark wings with white bars. In contrast, the Arctic Redpoll appears 'frostier,' with whiter, less streaked plumage, especially on the rump and flanks. Its tail can be notched or square-tipped. The Arctic Redpoll is slightly larger (4.5-5.5 inches) and has a stubbier bill. Males have a paler pink chest, contrasting with the more vivid red of the male Lesser Redpoll. Both species share similar sizes (11-20g in weight).
Key differences and behavior
The Lesser Redpoll (Acanthis cabaret) and Arctic Redpoll (Acanthis hornemanni) exhibit distinct behavioral and ecological differences despite some similarities. Lesser Redpolls are highly social, foraging in flocks, and inhabit temperate woodlands and urban areas, while Arctic Redpolls favor more barren, northern tundra environments. Both species engage in similar mating displays and build nests using twigs and grass, but the Arctic Redpolls prefer open, vegetated areas. In terms of diet, both species consume seeds from trees like birch and alder, but Lesser Redpolls focus more on urban feeder seeds, whereas Arctic Redpolls may also eat insects and favor tundra plant seeds. This social, adaptable nature of the Lesser contrasts with the Arctic's solitary, barren habitat adaptation.
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