- Carduelis cabaret
Identification
Photo taken: Burbage Common Extension, Leics., UK The lesser redpoll is a small brown streaked finch with a distinctive red forehead, small black bib and, in breeding males, red upper chests. This contrasts with largely pale under parts (streaked on the flanks). Its UK breeding population has declined and although it is recovering, it is on the Amber List. They are often found in flocks, occasionally with siskins.
Distribution
A widespread breeding species in Scotland, northern and eastern England and Wales. It is less common in central, southern and south-west England as a breeding species, but does occur in these places in winter.
Taxonomy
It has recently been split from the common or mealy redpoll, a larger and paler species.
Habitat
Birch and alder woods
Behaviour
The call is a metallic, rattling series of notes: "chuch-uch-uch-errrrr".
Redpoll feed usually feed among the branches of trees where they are quite nimble and can hang upside-down. They feed on very small seeds, like alders, spruce, and birch. During the breeding season they also feed on insects.
The female builds the nest in a tree or bush, usually in birch scrub or mixed conifer and birch woodland. The nest is a small untidy cup of fine twigs and grass, lined with feathers and hair.
The smooth, glossy eggs are pale blue with pale pink or lilac markings, and about 17 mm by 13 mm. Incubation is by the female only. The young are fed by both parents.
