FOR AGES 3 YEARS TO 18 YEARS
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
Descendant of the family of finches, an Arctic redpoll or hoary redpoll (Acanthis hornemanni), is a species of migratory birds that can be further classified into two distinct subspecies, namely the Greenland Arctic redpoll and Coues' Arctic redpoll. These birds are extremely sturdy as they can withstand windy, bone-chilling months of winter and living in prolonged darkness. Normally, they remain aloof and solitary, but they also join flocks while foraging for seeds. They engage in migration during the winter season when food is scarce and often fly off to the interior regions of Alaska. This bird from the north is known to be one of the most resilient in the entire world that can withstand severely cold temperatures. However, it is really difficult to trace these birds as they are pretty rare in areas inhabited by humans. Factors like climate change and destruction of habitat are major issues that pose a great threat to this species.
If you enjoyed these exciting facts about the hoary redpoll, then you can continue reading some more fun-filled facts about other species of birds such as the European robin and monkingbird.
A hoary redpoll (Acanthis hornemanni) is a species of bird belonging to the order Passeriformes, family Fringillidae.
Hoary redpolls belong to the class Aves.
The number of hoary redpolls in current existence cannot be ascertained due to the lack of records. The accurate number of birds is not known, but redpolls can be classified into three species that function and form under one unified gene pool.
Hoary redpolls are very difficult to trace as they live in far-off places often distant from human habitation. Nevertheless, these birds can be located in several parts of Canada, North America, Alaska (for migration), and mainly northern Greenland.
This species primarily inhabits edges of forest and woodland areas, thickets, and scrubs. They are mostly found in the Arctic tundra regions in Canada where there is an abundance of birch, alder, and spruce trees. During the breeding season, they fly off to the northern parts of America. They can also be traced in fallow lands and fields in village, suburban towns, and cities as they engage in foraging in huge flocks.
Hoary redpolls can be seen moving in flocks while foraging or looking for food. This is a pretty common sight even during the breeding periods. This species even mingle with flocks of common redpolls in times of winter, traveling long distances in search of seeds.
Very similar to a common redpoll, these birds live for an approximate period of seven to eight years in the wild.
The time between May to July is the ideal season for breeding. Males indulge in elaborate courtships, wooing the female. After the breeding process, females engage in building the nest, usually among shrubs or tree cavities. These nests are generally at a low elevation that ranges from 2-3 ft (61-91 cm) from the surface. Females give birth to a clutch of four to five eggs. The hatching stays under the care of the parents until they can forage for themselves.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List has not yet recorded the preservation status of these North American birds. They are Not Evaluated under the IUCN, but according to the Partners in Flight organization, the conservation of this species is currently a matter of least concern.
An Arctic redpoll identification becomes difficult owing to their similarities with the common redpoll. Hoary redpolls possess a frosty white plumage with a red spot on its crown and black-brown streaks in the under-tail coverts. These birds are paler and have a comparatively larger bill than common redpolls. Additionally, male common redpolls bear deep reddish patches on their chest, while these patches are not very significant in the latter. The color of their body makes it all the more challenging to trace them in the snowy regions. While hoary redpolls possess a more frosty appearance with muted black and brown colors, common redpolls come in darker shades of brown or tan.
Hoary redpolls are fluffy birds that define cuteness. Although they come in a pale white color, they possess a very soothing appearance which makes them extremely adorable.
These northern birds vocalize through different calls that include flight calls and food calls. Sounds include a normal 'cherp-cherp', a repetitive 'che-che-che-tschrrrr', or an alarming call, 'pii'. They make an array of sounds that can be a high-pitched trill or even a nasal whistle.
The length of a small bird like a hoary redpoll ranges between 4.7-5.5 in (12-14 cm). They are larger than hummingbirds and sun conures but smaller than purple finches.
The flight speed of these birds is yet to be ascertained. There are no records on the accurate details of its swiftness in flight.
The average weight of these birds ranges from 0.4-0.7 oz (11-20 g), inclusive of both genders.
Males and females of this species do not bear any special attributions. Just like with other bird species, they are called a male and female hoary redpoll, respectively.
A baby hoary redpoll is normally called a hatchling or nestling.
Hoary redpolls enjoy a diet primarily comprising seeds or buds from cotton grass, alder, willow, pigweed, alder, and knotweed.
This species of northern finches are not known to be aggressive or violent. However, a detailed study is needed to provide evidence about their behavior patterns.
Hoary redpolls are not very common pets. They can be rarely traced among human beings as they prefer to stay in the stranded and isolated shrubs, thickets, and in the chilly Arctic tundra regions where human interference is minimal. Moreover, they are birds of the wilderness habituated to the untamed life of freedom, so it is unknown how well it would behave as an encaged pet.
The Arctic redpoll, scientifically termed Acanthis hornemanni (order Passeriformes, family Fringillidae), has a special connotation attached to its name. The bird received its name owing to its frost-like white plumage. The term 'hoarfrost' is used for the magnificent crystals of ice that are visible during frosty months. Since the bird can tolerate extreme cold winters in the tundra regions, they have been attributed this name. The redpoll indicates the small red speck on its crown.
Depending upon the surveys, scientists are of the opinion that this bird species might lose 82% of its habitat range (during summer), while in winter the range of loss has been defined at 65% in the near future. Climate change is a major factor that determines the population of this species. Due to climate change, a vast population might become affected and lose their habitat which would contribute to making this bird species vulnerable to extinction.
There are three species of redpolls, namely the lesser redpoll, hoary or Arctic redpoll, and common redpoll. All three bird species belong to the family of finches. The Arctic redpoll draws a lot of similarities with a common redpoll. The two bird species are somewhat alike in their appearance, with a slight difference in the colors and shades. Arctic redpolls have a larger bill and have a pale white shade with lighter brownish streaks, while common redpolls possess darker brown shades throughout their body.
Like hoary redpolls, the lesser redpoll and common redpoll feed mainly on seeds. However, among all three species of finches, lesser redpolls maintain close contact with humans as they are often found visiting bird feeders during food shortages, especially during the winter season.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other birds including great frigatebird, or robin.
You can even occupy yourself at home by drawing one on our hoary redpoll coloring pages.
Read The Disclaimer
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising.
We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published.
Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.
We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
Was this article helpful?
We’ll send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out.
Check your inbox for your latest news from us. You have subscribed to:
Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter.