A guide to Redpolls

Lesser Redpoll  (Carduelis cabaret)

Identification; The Redpoll is a small streaky brown finch usually located by its loud rattling call. Redpolls can usually be identified by the little red spot on the forehead which gives them their name. In females, however, this red colour can be indistinct and in juveniles it can be lacking altogether. Such birds would have to be identified by their small size, chunky shape and streaky dark brown plumage. In Britain, most birds seen are 'Lesser Redpolls' which are warmer brown in colour than the Common Redpoll, which looks whiter and was previously called 'Mealy Redpoll'.

Common Redpoll  (Carduelis flammea)  

Identification;   Larger than Lesser Redpoll, with a ‘frosty’ appearance and clean whitish flanks.

Left: Lesser Redpoll           Right: Common Redpoll 
         (photo credited to the B.T.O.)