The Common Redpoll is a small, streaky finch with a bright red forehead patch that breeds in the arctic and subarctic, irrupting into the northern US in variable numbers each winter. It can store seeds in a special esophageal pouch and eat them later while roosting, an adaptation for surviving long arctic nights. It is highly social, gathering in large flocks in birch and alder trees.
Best time to see a Common Redpoll
The best time to see a Common Redpoll is January–March, when about 65% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 5,713 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Common Redpoll? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Common Redpoll sightings near you
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