Common Redpoll

Description:

One of the smallest finches in eastern North America, Acanthis flammea, the Common Redpoll, is characterized by a red cap, and black markings around the beak with an overall sparrow-like pattern on the body. Males are characterized by red breasts. They commonly travel in huge flocks. I observed a flock around my house today which easily exceeded fifty individuals.

Habitat:

Migrate in the northern United States as far south as Missouri during winter. They retreat to northern Canadian provinces for the summer breeding months.

Notes:

I was delighted to see another one of my favorite birds during the first day of 2013.