Forest and Rangeland Birds of the United States
Natural History and Habitat Use
Hoary Redpoll -- Carduelis hornemanni
RANGE: Breeds in western and northern Alaska, northern Yukon, northern
and east-central Mackenzie, southern Victoria Island, Keewatin, northeastern Manitoba,
Southhampton Island, and northern Quebec. Also on Ellesmere, Bylot, and northern
Baffin Islands, and in northern Greenland. Winters in the breeding range (except
extreme northern areas) and south, irregularly, to southern Canada, and Montana
to northern Illinois, New York, and New England.
HABITAT: Breeds in shrubby areas, including sparse, low vegetation
in open tundra. In winter, inhabits open areas, fields, and open woodlands.
NEST: Builds nest with dry grass, rootlets, and willow down or feathers;
places it in low shrubs such as willow or dwarf birch and often over water.
FOOD: Mostly eats plant materials, especially seeds, but some insects
and larvae in summer. Forages on the ground, and gleans food from branches and
leaves of shrubs.
REFERENCES: Bent 1968.
Previous Section -- Family Fringillidae
Return to Family List
Return to Contents