Redpoll
(Carduelis flammea)
The Redpoll is a small streaky brown finch usually located by its loud rattling call. Redpolls can usually be identified by the little red spot on the forehead which gives them their name. In females, however, this red colour can be indistinct and in juveniles it can be lacking altogether. Common over much of Britain, except in the Northern Isles, south-west England and westerm Wales, breeding in a wide variety of habitats from coniferous plantations to scrub. Also occurs as a passage migrant and winter visitor in variable numbers. Although they can be numerous, they are often highly local and therefore can be easily missed.