Redpoll

Identification

A small streaked true finch with a red crown and dark chin; some adult males show pink on the breast. Common, Hoary and Lesser Redpolls are treated together here as Acanthis flammea following Cornell’s merged treatment.

Male & female

Age, sex and form influence colour. A red cap occurs in both sexes; absence of a pink breast does not prove female sex. Keep form records without inventing separate species entries.

Nature & behaviour

A northern bird of tundra scrub and boreal/open woodland, often feeding in mobile flocks. Cold-region adaptation does not make abrupt temperature changes harmless or establish an indoor climate setting.

Cages & aviaries

Plan active flight room and slender natural perches for climbing and hanging. A warm tropical room needs a specific suitability review rather than automatic inclusion with Gouldians.

Diet & feeding

Small tree and grass seeds are important; Cornell notes insects and spiders in summer. Offer a balanced varied ration with safe seed heads and appropriate rearing foods, verifying intake.

Breeding

Cornell reports 1–7 eggs, 10–12 days incubation and a 9–16 day nestling period. These broad wild ranges must not generate automatic separation dates.

Compatibility

Winter flocking does not establish breeding compatibility. Provide separate pair space, accessible food and a plan to separate persistent aggressors.

Breeding timeline

Follow the bird, not just the calendar. Published ranges are observation windows; actual parental care and feeding decide the next step.

Reference figures describe the cited observations, not guaranteed captive deadlines. Unverified stages are deliberately left unset; use the care library and a species-informed breeding plan.

Sources & image credits