Lesser Redpoll
Acanthis cabaret
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The Lesser Redpoll is a small, streaky brown finch with a red cap and, in males, a pink-red breast. Its 'chuch-chuch-chuch' flight call is characteristic and helps locate flocks in birch trees. UK breeding populations have crashed — down 80% — but winter visitors from continental Europe supplement the population. The Formby area's birch and Alder provide suitable winter habitat.
At a Glance
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Habitat | Birch woodland · Alder woodland · Scrub edge |
| Diet | Birch and Alder seeds — hangs acrobatically from catkins |
| UK population | Around 260,000 pairs; red-listed due to 80% decline |
| Sefton Coast | Occasional in small flocks in birch and alder at woodland edges in winter |
| Conservation | UK Red List |
Where to See It
Birch and Alder woodland at the edges of the dune system; Formby pinewoods.
Identification
Small, streaky brown finch. Red cap. Males: pink-red breast. Short, stubby bill. Yellow-buff wing bars. Feeds acrobatically on catkins. Distinctive rattling 'chuch-chuch' call in flight.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Listen for the rattling flight call in birch and Alder woodland at Formby in winter. Flocks of small brown finches hanging from catkins are likely Redpolls.
Conservation Status
UK Red List
This species is on the UK Red List for Birds (BoCC5), indicating serious concern about its population decline or unfavourable conservation status. Monitoring this species on the Sefton Coast contributes to national population tracking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Lesser Redpoll and Common Redpoll?
Lesser Redpoll (Acanthis cabaret) is the UK's resident small, dark redpoll. Common (or Mealy) Redpoll (Acanthis flammea) from Scandinavia is paler and larger and occasional on the Sefton Coast in invasion years. Telling them apart is difficult and requires attention to overall tone, rump colour and size. In most cases 'redpoll' is sufficient identification.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.