The Lessor Redpoll

After two years absence of these little beauties in my garden they are slowly coming back and enjoying the Niger seed.

I hope to post some more images of this little bird when we get some quality light to do them justice.

Information below from the RSPB website.

Latin name

Carduelis cabaret

Family

Finches (Fringillidae)

Overview

The lesser redpoll is a small brown streaked finch with a distinctive red forehead, small black bib and, in breeding males, red upper chests. This contrasts with largely pale under parts (streaked on the flanks). Its UK breeding population has declined and it is on the Red List. They are often found in flocks, occasionally with siskins. It has recently been split from the common or mealy redpoll, a larger and paler species.

Where to see them

A widespread breeding species in Scotland, northern and eastern England and Wales. It is less common in central, southern and south-west England as a breeding species, but does occur in these places in winter. Look in birch and alder woods.

When to see them

All year round, but commoner in the north in summer and in the south in winter.

What they eat

Seeds, especially birch and alder