388 
PASSERIFORMES 
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 (le Sizerin blanchatre) Acanthis hornemanni 
exilipes is the American form of this species, and the only one so far reported from southern 
Canada. The Greenland Redpoll (le Sizerin Groenlandais) Acanthis hornemanni horne- 
manni is similar to the Hoary in colour, but much larger. It has never been detected in 
Canada south of the sub-arctic regions even in winter. 
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. Redpolled Linnet, le sizerin a tete rouge. Acanthis linaria. L, 5-5-5. 
Plate LXXIX B. A rather dark redpoll with rmnp 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 
(le Sizerin comraun a tete rouge) Acanthis linaria linaria which is commonest in fact as 
well as name; Holboell’s Redpoll (le Sizerin de Holboell) Acanthis linaria holboelli, a slight- 
ly larger form whose occurrence in America is a matter of some doubt; and the Greater 
Redpoll (le grand Sizerin k tete rouge) Acanthis linaria rostrata, the largest of the species. 
There are small differences visible to the eye of the expert in the bills and details of color- 
ation, but size is, on the whole, the best criterion though it should not be entirely relied 
upon as intergrades occur. The wing of the Common Redpoll should be 2-9 inches, Hol- 
boell’s 3-0 with slightly longer bill, and the Greater 3-5 with bill shorter and stouter. 
However, in identifying redpolls it should be remembered that the Common is the one 
likely to be met with anywhere in Canada, and, though redpolls are likely to wander 
widely in winter, we have no definite evidence of any other form of linaria than the Com- 
mon Redpoll west of the Great Lakes. 
With more or less regularity our winter fields and waste lands are 
taken possession of by immense flocks of tiny sparrows, feeding on the 
weed-tops which project from the snow, or perching in the low trees and 
bushes nearby. From many little throats comes a subdued but constant 
twitter, no one of the birds producing a song in the usual sense of the word, 
but collectively making an undercurrent of low music that is distinctly 
agreeable. The round, fluffy, heavily plumaged bodies; the little, rich 
crimson tap; and the occasional flash of rosy breast and pink rump declare 
them redpolls. They are tame and unsuspecting little fellows and if the 
observer conducts himself discreetly they may at times alight all about 
him, or even upon his person, with as much indifference as if he were a 
stump or some other inanimate feature of the landscape. They remain 
until the spring breakup when they vanish until another winter. Their 
winter wanderings are irregular and erratic. 
Economic Status. Coining in flocks of large numbers and searching 
weed-tops diligently the redpolls should be hailed by the farmer with 
pleasure, not only for their pretty ways but also for the evident good they 
do in destroying weed seed. One cannot go over the ground where they 
have fed and examine it closely without being impressed with the amount 
of good work they have done. Their tracks are seen everywhere in the 
