Redpolls and Lesser Redpolls are two very similar species of small finches found throughout the northern regions of Eurasia and North America. They belong to the genus Acanthis in the finch family Fringillidae. Telling Redpolls and Lesser Redpolls apart can be challenging for many birdwatchers because of their similar appearance and behaviors. However, there are some key differences between these two species in terms of size, plumage, song, habitat, and range that can help identify them.
How to Identify Redpolls
Redpolls are streaky brown finches with red on their heads. The males have bright pinkish-red crowns, breasts, and rumps while the females have browner plumage with pale pinkish-tinged underparts. In winter, they also have bold white wingbars. Their pointed conical bills are black in summer but yellow with a black tip in winter.
Some key identification features of Redpolls include:
– About 5-5.5 inches in length
– Pinkish-red on crown, face, breast and rump (brighter in males)
– Brown streaking on flanks
– White wingbars in winter
– Notched tail
– Dark eyes
– Pointed conical bill
– Flocks together while feeding
– Acrobatic and erratic flight pattern
The Common Redpoll (Acanthis flammea) is the typical Redpoll species found in most of North America and Eurasia. The Hoary Redpoll (Acanthis hornemanni) was previously considered a subspecies but is now classified as a separate species. It is paler overall with paler streaking on the flanks. The Greenland Redpoll (Acanthis rostrata) is a localized race found only in Greenland.
How to Identify Lesser Redpolls
Lesser Redpolls (Acanthis cabaret) are very similar to Common Redpolls in appearance but are smaller with some subtle differences in plumage. They have brown streaky plumage with a red crown, rump and breast. In winter, they have pale wingbars and diffuse streaking on the undertail coverts.
Some key identification features of Lesser Redpolls include:
– About 4.5-5 inches in length
– Smaller than Redpoll with a smaller bill
– Red crown, face, breast and rump (paler in females)
– Heavily streaked brown back and flanks
– Two pale wingbars in winter
– Dark eyes
– Pointed conical bill
– Forms large nomadic winter flocks
– Acrobatic flight
– More extensive pale fringes to feathers
The best way to distinguish a Lesser Redpoll is by its small size. It is noticeably smaller than a Redpoll when seen side by side. The red coloration also tends to be duller and paler overall on a Lesser Redpoll compared to the brighter pink-red hues on a Common Redpoll.
Size Difference
The main difference between these two species is size. Redpolls are larger overall than Lesser Redpolls.
– Redpoll length: 5-5.5 inches
– Lesser Redpoll length: 4.5-5 inches
Redpolls also tend to have a proportionately larger head and bill than Lesser Redpolls. When observed together, the size difference is quite apparent.
Some other subtle differences in proportions include:
– Wings – Lesser Redpolls have shorter wings relative to their bodies.
– Tail – Lesser Redpolls have a slightly shorter tail that appears more squared off at the tip while Redpolls have a notched or forked tail tip.
– Bill – Lesser Redpolls have a smaller, more delicate bill that can appear more pointed.
So in summary, if you see a small streaky redpoll that is obviously petite compared to other redpolls nearby, it can be confidently identified as a Lesser Redpoll based on size alone.
Plumage Differences
While very similar, some subtle plumage differences can help distinguish Redpolls and Lesser Redpolls when viewed up close.
In terms of coloration:
– Lesser Redpolls have paler and duller red on the head, breast and rump, especially females. It can appear washed out pinkish-brown rather than the bright pink-red of Redpolls.
– Lesser Redpolls typically show more buffy feather edging which gives them a lighter overall impression.
In terms of markings:
– Lesser Redpolls have more extensive streaking on the undertail coverts compared to the clean white undertail of the Redpoll.
– The flank streaking may appear denser and more extensive on Lesser Redpolls.
– Lesser Redpoll wingbars in winter are generally paler and less defined looking.
– Lesser Redpolls show pale fringes to the flight feathers and greater coverts which makes the wing markings appear more indistinct overall.
So while subtle, the duller wash of color, denser streaking, and messier wingbars can help confirm an identification of Lesser Redpoll when plumage differences are noted.
Song Differences
The calls and songs of Redpolls and Lesser Redpolls also show some slight differences:
– Lesser Redpoll flight calls are a quiet dry “pu-pu-pu” while Redpolls emit a louder “ju-ju-ju” in flight.
– The Lesser Redpoll call ishigher pitched and faster than the lower “chu-chu” call of the Redpoll.
– Lesser Redpoll songs are also higher pitched, faster and more disorganized sounding compared to the more musical warbling song of the Redpoll.
So while quite similar, the finer and higher pitched vocalizations can help distinguish Lesser Redpolls when heard well. Redpoll vocalizations are lower-pitched, less hurried and more musical sounding.
Habitat Preferences
Redpolls and Lesser Redpolls occupy similar northern forest habitats but may show some subtle habitat preferences:
– **Redpolls** are more likely to be found in coniferous forests, muskegs and mixed woodlands, often feeding in birch and alder stands. They may nest in spruce trees.
– **Lesser Redpolls** occur more often in younger mixed forests, early successional growth and planted stands. They also readily inhabit scrubby hedgerows and fields.
So Redpolls seem to associate more with mature boreal and conifer forest while Lesser Redpolls are found more often in disturbed scrubby habitat with birch or mixed species. However, there is much overlap.
Range and Distribution
The breeding ranges of Redpolls and Lesser Redpolls show some key differences:
Species | Breeding Range |
---|---|
Common Redpoll | Alaska, Canada, Iceland, Scandinavia, Siberia |
Hoary Redpoll | Northern Alaska, Canada, Greenland |
Lesser Redpoll | Western Europe, Great Britain, west Siberia |
– The **Common Redpoll** has the widest breeding range across northern North America and Eurasia.
– The **Hoary Redpoll** breeds in the far north of Alaska, Canada and Greenland.
– The **Lesser Redpoll’s** breeding stronghold is in Britain, Europe and western Siberia.
During winter, both species undergo eruptive southward movements but the Lesser Redpoll is more of a short-distance migrant compared to the nomadic movements of Common Redpolls. So their distributions may overlap to a greater degree in winter.
Behavioral Differences
Redpolls and Lesser Redpolls demonstrate some subtle behavioral differences:
– **Lesser Redpolls** form large gregarious flocks often numbering in the hundreds of birds. **Redpolls** also form flocks but these are typically smaller with fewer than 100 individuals.
– **Lesser Redpolls** make more extensive winter movements driven by food supplies and demonstrate somewhat nomadic behavior. **Redpolls** are highly nomadic and irruptive, with winter movements more dependent on seed crop fluctuations.
– **Lesser Redpolls** are more tame and approachable by humans. **Redpolls** tend to be warier around people.
– **Lesser Redpolls** are more agile flyers, making tight acrobatic turns and exhibiting restless behavior. **Redpolls** have a more distinctive bounding flight pattern.
So in general, Lesser Redpolls could be described as more gregarious, nomadic and acrobatic in their behavior compared to Redpolls. But there is much overlap between the two species.
Conclusions
While very similar, Redpolls and Lesser Redpolls can be distinguished by the following key differences:
– **Size** – Lesser Redpolls are noticeably smaller with a petite frame and diminutive bill. This is the best and most reliable distinction.
– **Plumage** – Lesser Redpolls are paler and duller colored overall with streakier underparts and indistinct wingbar markings compared to brighter and crisper Redpolls.
– **Voice** – Lesser Redpolls have a higher pitched, faster paced and more disorganized vocalizations compared to the lower and more musical Redpoll.
– **Habitat** – Lesser Redpolls occur more in disturbed scrub while Redpolls prefer intact mature boreal forest. But there is much overlap.
– **Range** – Lesser Redpolls breed mainly in western Eurasia while Redpolls are widespread throughout northern North America and Eurasia. Distribution overlaps more in winter.
– **Behavior** – Lesser Redpolls form larger flocks, move more nomadically, and are more agile fliers compared to the warier and bounding flight of Redpolls.
By combining size impressions along with plumage, vocal and behavioral clues, birdwatchers can confidently distinguish between these two similar northern finch species. With good views and comparative observations, Lesser Redpolls are readily identified by their diminutive form compared to the larger and brighter Common Redpoll.
Identification Tips
Here are some helpful points to remember when identifying Lesser Redpolls and Redpolls:
– Start by looking at size as this is the most reliable difference – if it’s tiny, it’s a Lesser Redpoll.
– Compare colors – Lesser Redpoll colors are diluted and paler.
– Look for buffy fringes and indistinct streaking pointing to Lesser Redpoll.
– Listen for high pitched calls and disorganized songs indicating Lesser.
– Note gregarious flocking behavior which favors Lesser Redpoll.
– Try to make direct comparisons between individuals side-by-side.
– Get good looks at the undertail coverts – Lessers are heavily streaked.
– Consider the range – Lessers are rare in northern North America.
– Examine the size and shape of the bill – Lessers have a smaller bill.
– Assess the completeness of the wingbars – Lessers’ bars are paler and messier.
So by carefully noting size, plumage, vocalizations, and behavioral differences, birders can confidently separate these species. Focus on making side-by-side comparisons whenever possible. Over time, the subtle distinctions will become more apparent with experience.