Redpoll
Carduelis flammea
Length 13-15cm

A small finch with rather variable plumage. Most birds can be recognised by yellowish conical bill, black bib and red patch on forecrown; latter feature absent in some juvenile birds. Has streaked, grey-brown upperparts and pale underparts, streaked on flanks; in breeding season, male has pinkish flush to breast. As a breeding species, occurs locally throughout much of Britain and Ireland but distinctly scarce in S. In winter, much more numerous and widespread, especially in S thanks to influx of birds from N Europe. Breeds in open woodland but winter flocks mostly in alder and birch, often with siskins.