Family:
The Arctic redpoll, also known as the hoary redpoll, is a medium-sized finch with a large head, thick neck, and a very short bill. It is similar to the common redpoll but is paler overall. In breeding plumage, the male has white underparts, and grey upperparts with a pink wash on the lower back, two white wingbars on the dark wings, and a large white rump. The head is buff with black streaks, the crown is bright pink, and the bill is orange.
The female is similar to the male but has less pink and the pink patch on the crown is smaller.
Out of breeding season, the feathers fluff out giving a snowball effect, and there is a pink wash on the pale parts.
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Arctic redpolls eat mainly seeds, particularly of alder and birch trees, as well as buds and shoots, and insects in the summer. It stores food in a pouch in its throat to give them energy during winter nights.
Arctic redpolls breeds above the arctic tree line in northern North America, northern Europe, and Russia in tundra forests. Some birds move south for the winter where they can be found in woodlands clearings, fields, weeded areas, and near water.
