Common Redpoll

The introduced common redpoll is New Zealand’s smallest introduced finch and often feeds acrobatically on tiny seeds. Both sexes are brown and streaked with a red forehead; mature males add pink to the throat and breast, while juveniles lack the red crown.

It is widespread, especially in the South Island high country, and also occurs on the Chatham, Campbell and Macquarie islands. Redpolls hang from seed heads and birch or alder cones to feed, gathering into large lowland flocks in winter.

Weedy open ground, tussock country and birch or alder plantings are good places, especially when winter flocks descend.