Hoary Redpoll (Acanthis hornemanni)

 

Synonyms: Acanthis flammea (in part), Arctic Redpoll, Redpoll (in part)

 

 

Hoary Redpoll breeds in northern Eurasia, Greenland, northern Canada (including the eastern half of Arctic Archipelago) and Alaska. In winter, some birds move southwards, reaching the Great Lakes, Baltic Sea and southern Siberia. This species nests in tundra with stunted conifers and scrubs (dwarf birch, willow, and alder); from sea level to 1,300 m. On migration and in winter, they occur in barrens, boreal forest, open woodland, and abandoned fields, entering towns and villages. Acanthis hornemanni is similar to Common Redpoll in appearance, but it is paler, with smaller bill, the unstreaked pale rump and vent. The two species often form mixed flocks. Some authorities (e.g., IUCN and Birdlife International) treat Common and Hoary redpolls as one species, Acanthis flammea.

Acanthis hornemanni breeds in May-July. Nest is placed low in a stunted tree or shrub. Clutch contains 3-6 eggs; incubation 11 days; the young fledge after 9-15 days. This species feeds on seeds of birch, alder, willow, and conifers, buds, leaves, catkins, and fruit; also insects and spiders, mostly in the summer.

 

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