Hoary Redpoll
A species of Redpolls, Also known as Mealy Red-poll Scientific name : Acanthis hornemanni Genus : Redpolls
Hoary Redpoll, A species of Redpolls
Also known as:
Mealy Red-poll
Botanical name: Acanthis hornemanni
Genus: Redpolls
Content
Description General Info
Description
The Arctic redpoll is similar in appearance to the common redpoll but generally paler. It may be distinguished from that species by the unstreaked pale rump patch and the uniformly pale vent area. The Greenland race is a very large, pale bird, with the male sometimes described as a "snowball", but both forms are pale with small beaks, white rumps and often more yellow than grey-brown tones in their plumage. They have black bibs, orangish forehead patches and two light-coloured stripes on each wing. The females are more streaked on their breasts, sides and rumps, but are still pale. Adults are about 12 to 14 centimetres (4.7 to 5.5 in) in length and weigh about 12 to 16 grams (0.42 to 0.56 oz). Wingspan ranges from 20 to 25 cm. 
Size
12-14 cm (4.7-5.5 in)
Life Expectancy
6-7 years
Nest Placement
Shrub
Clutch Size
1 - 6 eggs
Feeding Habits
Hoary Redpoll subsist primarily on seeds and buds from Arctic vegetation, such as birch, alder, and willow, complemented by insects in summer. They forage upside down on branches and on the ground, displaying tolerance or occasional aggression when feeding alongside conspecifics.
Habitat
Hoary Redpoll predominantly inhabit the Arctic tundra, favoring regions with a presence of shrubs or dwarf trees like willow, birch, or alder. They thrive in various tundra conditions, including both dry terrains and moist areas near creeks or rivers. Typically found at higher elevations or more desolate locations than their close relatives, hoary Redpoll may form flocks post-breeding, venturing north beyond the treeline or occasionally visiting seed-abundant fallow fields in populated zones. Some endure the harsh winter in their breeding grounds, while others may join biennial southward irruptions.
Nest Behavior
The female hoary Redpoll is solely responsible for nest building.
Nest Characteristics
Hoary Redpoll's nests are typically found in shrubs or stunted trees about 2-3 feet above ground, near water, or in rocky crevices and driftwood cavities. The sizable cup-shaped nests are constructed of stems, twigs, rootlets, fur, and feathers, measuring around 4 inches in width and 3 inches in height with an inner cup dimension of 1.9 by 1.5 inches.
Dite type
Granivorous
General Info
Feeding Habits
Bird food type
Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
Hulled Sunflower Seeds
Nyjer
Bird Feeder Type
Large Tube Feeder
Small Tube Feeder
Large Hopper
Small Hopper
Platform
Ground
Sounds
Song
Recording location: United States
Song
Recording location: United States
Song
Recording location: United States
Behavior
Hoary Redpoll exhibits a blend of solitary and gregarious behaviors. These birds are primarily active during the day, engaging in feeding, singing, and flying in shallow arcs as courtship displays. They adapt to their environment by forming roving flocks post-nesting, often mingling with their close relatives, the Common Redpolls. Unique to their species, hoary Redpoll shows a peculiar mating system that may involve a female being tended by multiple males. Habitat interactions are characterized by seasonal flock dynamics, with these birds traversing regions in small groups, enhancing survival and foraging efficiency.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Perching birds Family
Finches Genus
Redpolls Species
Hoary Redpoll 
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