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Redpolls on alder branches

 

 

In some years they are quite numerous winterers here, but it depends on the food available to straying birds in winter. Only in a few cases redpolls have been observed breeding here; that takes place in the forest tundra and taiga regions.

 

The sociable little birds mostly move around in quite noticeable groups. They enjoy feeding on birch and alder catkins, mugwort seeds; unharvested rape fields have to be checked and the taller weeds sticking out of the snowdrifts examined. In winter they eat only seeds. On the fine twigs of trees they often hang with feet towards the sky  - a fine acrobatic spectacle. The tundra inhabitants are not particularly shy of people and allow themselves to be observed – photographed a few meters away.

 

They look quite similar to siskins. Birds of both sexes are grey-brown, the underparts are off-white.

Lengthwise streaks along the back and flanks, a small black patch on the chin and on the wings two narrow light bands. The crimson forehead is certainly conspicuous. The male birds’ chest and throat are reddish or pink, the colour is affected by the scarce winter light. In all, beautiful birds.

 

Redpolls