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representative of the species along the Coast range from Alaska peninsula southward. 
It is not confined to the immediate vicinity of the coast and the division between the two 
forms has not been well mapped. In the intermountain lowlands of British Columbia, 
both subspecies may occur in winter, even associated together in the same flock. On the 
plains, tephrocotis is the bird to be expected. 
A most charming little bird, spending the summer on the snow edges 
of the highest mountains. In winter it comes in large flocks to the lowlands 
and even invades the streets of the foothill cities. 
Redpolls (See Plate LII B) 
General Description. Small Sparrows with short, sharp bills; crown with a dull 
crimson cap; a suffused black chin-spot; back and flanks streaked with browns, ashy, and 
white. Adult males have rosy breasts and the rump more or less tinged with pink; 
suggestions of this tint show in other plumages. 
Distinctions. The small crimson cap is always distinctive. 
Nesting. In low shrubs; nest of grasses lined with hair, often white rabbit or fox 
fur, feathers, or plant down. 
Distribution. Circumpolar and Arctic in breeding range, migrating south irregularly 
in winter. 
There are two species of Redpolls in Canada, divided into five subspecies, 
all so nearly alike that it requires special experience to differentiate them 
accurately. The dividing line between species is very fine, the subspecies 
intergrade, numerous hybrids have been reported, and, as considerable 
individual and age variation exists, it is only by attention to small details 
that the different forms can be separated. 
The distinctive characters are given more as suggestions than as 
final differentiations. 
Economic Status. See Redpoll Linnet. 
527. Hornemann’s Redpoll (Including Hoary Redpoll). Acanthis homemanni. 
L, 5. Light-coloured Redpolls with unspotted white or rosy rump. Characteristic 
adults with feather edgings light so that a typical bird looks like a Common Redpoll (Plate 
LII B) seen through a white veil, but many birds, even in breeding maturity, show little of 
this frosting and are inseparable from the Common Redpoll except by other characters. 
Distinctions. The rump, unspotted or unstriped, is the best means of separating this 
species from other Redpolls, although this point is sometimes not easy to determine. 
Distribution. The Arctic and sub-arctic parts of the northern hemisphere. In 
America, breeding across the Arctic, migrating throughout most Canadian provinces in 
the winter. 
SUBSPECIES. The Hoary Redpoll Acanthis homemanni exilipes is the American 
form of this species, and the only one so far reported from western Canada. 
In general habits so nearly like the next species, which is much more 
common, that separate discussion is unnecessary. This species is generally 
so rare in settled districts that its identification must be made with caution. 
During occasional winters this species occurs in greater or less numbers 
with large flocks of the Common Redpoll, but there is no regularity in 
its visits. 
528. Redpoll Linnet (Including Greater and HolboelLs Redpoll). Acanthis 
linaria. L, 5-5-5. Plate LII B. A rather dark Redpoll with rump more or less heavily 
streaked, and body not noticeably frosted with white. 
Distinctions. The streaked rump is the most distinctive character. 
Distribution. Northern parts of northern hemisphere. In America, breeding across 
the Arctic regions. Migrates in winter practically everywhere in Canada. 
SUBSPECIES. The species is divided into three subspecies; the Common Redpoll 
Acanthis linaria linaria which is commonest in fact as well as name* Holboell’s Redpoll 
Acanthis linaria holboelli, a slightly larger form; and the Greater Redpoll Acanthis linaria 
