– small passerine, slightly larger than House Sparrow
– diurnal migrant
– migrates singly or in small flocks
>> VISUAL ID >>>>>
Eurasian Bullfinch Pyrrhula p. pyrrhula, AD F
BIF2370, 15/12/2018, Werbeliner See, Germany, Mathias Putze
Eurasian Bullfinch Pyrrhula p. pyrrhula, AD F
BIF2371,115/12/2018, Werbeliner See, Germany, Mathias Putze
Eurasian Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula ssp., AD F
BIF2372,28/12/2013, Havelland, Germany, Mathias Putze
Eurasian Bullfinch Pyrrhula p. pyrrhula, AD M
BIF2374, 15/12/2018, Werbeliner See, Mathias Putze
Eurasian Bullfinch Pyrrhula p. pyrrhula, AD M
BIF2375, 15/12/2018, Werbeliner See, Mathias Putze
Eurasian Bullfinch Pyrrhula p. pyrrhula, AD M
BIF2376, 15/12/2018, Werbeliner See, Mathias Putze
>> ACOUSTIC ID >>>>>
– at least two call types occur in the western palaearctic
– most striking difference is the space between fundamental and harmonics
– a clearer, quiet human-like whistle is supposed to belong only to ssp. europaea
– a more nasal, toy trumpet-like call is supposed to belong only to ssp. pyrrhula
– both utter similar single or series of very quite close contact calls like ‘bit’ during migration too
Eurasian Bullfinch Pyrrhula p. pyrrhula, social call
BIF2377, 17/12/2017, Werbeliner See, Germany, Patrick Franke
– medium-sized passerine, slightly larger than Red Crossbill
– diurnal migrant
– migrates singly or in small to medium loose flocks
>> VISUAL ID >>>>>
not yet photographed
>> ACOUSTIC ID >>>>>
– as in Red Crossbill, ecomorphs with different measurements and ‘call types’ excist
– JUV flight calls show obvious plasticity, but just for a short period of time
– AD flight calls show obvious plasticity too, mostly during the breeding period
– calls learned from parents or other conspecifics near nest
Parrot Crossbill Loxia pytyopsittacus, flight call, excitement call
BIF2263, 05/02/2018, Südheide, Germany, Patrick Franke
– probably two different ‘call types’
Parrot Crossbill Loxia pytyopsittacus, JUV, begging call; AD F M, flight call
BIF2264, 27/04/2018, Südheide, Germany, Patrick Franke
Parrot Crossbill Loxia pytyopsittacus, 2CY M, flight call, 300m distance
BIF2265, 09/02/2018, Südheide, Germany, Patrick Franke
– medium-sized passerine, slightly larger than Common Chaffinch– diurnal migrant
– migrates singly or in small to medium loose flocks
– annual post-breeding migration and in years of crop-shortfalls massive invasion events
– Pine sp. related populations are thought to be sedentary, especially those from Southern Europe, therefore are omitted here
>> VISUAL ID >>>>>
– several subspecies and so called ecomorphs with different measurements but also subtle to obvious differences in colouration and vocalisations (see below) occur
– most ecomorphs can only be distinguished by sound and measurements (in hand)
Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra ssp., AD M
BIF2013, 01/03/2014, Werdauer Forst, Germany, Jens Halbauer
– AD M unmarked strawberry red exept for blackish wings and tail and light grey undertail coverts
Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra ssp., M
BIF2144, 14/02/2018, Rostock, Germany, Roland Neumann
– conspicuously long and pointed wings
– dark underwing coverts
Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra ssp., M
BIF2144, 14/02/2018, Rostock, Germany, Roland Neumann
– note different shape of the tail when fanned out
Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra ssp., F
BIF2134, 03/08/2013, Hof, Germany, Mathias Putze
– F greyish with olive on breast and upper belly
– in straight flight rather short, distinctly forked tail
– fairly large-headed
Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra ssp., F
BIF2135, 03/08/2013, Hof, Germany, Mathias Putze
– large bill
Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra ssp., M
BIF2136, 06/02/2018, Rostock, Germany, Roland Neumann
– in M the blackish wings and tail are contrasting to the shining red rump
– reasonable aging in flight is impossible
Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra ssp.
BIF2137, 06/02/2018, Rostock, Germany, Roland Neumann
– dense flocks, usually consisting of both sexes
>> ACOUSTIC ID >>>>>
– very vocal
– most often to be heard during migration is the flight call
– sometimes single birds or flocks also utter excitement calls
– flight calls are on average 0,05-0,1s in length
– the frequency band of the 1st partial is between 2-6kHz
– flight calls show evenly spaced inharmonic partials, but are different in different call types
– several populations with different flight and excitement calls exist, so-called call types
– each population is thought to have one unique flight call and a corresponding excitement call
– mismatched flight and excitement calls are thought to be very rare exceptions
– some authors disagree in that and report birds with different combinations or even more than one corresponding excitement call (e.g. SUMMERS et al. 2002)
– bilingual birds are thought to be very rare exceptions too
– flight calls show (individual) variation at least due to call matching between partners,
families and probably migrating flocks (as in the closely relative Redpolls)
– JUV’s are supposed to individually recognise their parents based on those matched calls (MÜNCH 2003)
– JUV flight calls show obvious plasticity, but just for a short period of time (up to a few weeks)
– calls are learned from parents or other conspecifics near nest
– excitement calls seem to be (almost) identical in different in some call types
– at different stages of excitement, excitement calls can vary considerably
– call types are supposed to be stable due to assortative mating
– Red Crossbills uttering call types of other crossbills species are very rare exceptions
– call types are not linked to particular subspecies
– different ‘systematics’ to recognise all call types and their variations have been introduced (ROBB 2000, SUMMERS et al. 2007, FÖRSCHLER et al. 2009, CLOUET 2015, MARTIN et al. 2019)
– more undocumented call types and variants most likely occur
– more solid research, especially of individually marked birds, is necessary
Listed below, the most common call types of northern and central Europe:
TYPE A GROUP – it is widespread to consider this type has considerably ‘morphed’ into a type E like shape
– type A and type E still exist in shapes and variations described by M. Robb (2000)
– breeding range restricted to N-England and Scotland
Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra ssp., putative type A or (S5), flight call
BIF3652, 16/12/2015, Mt. Boubin, Czech Republic, Patrick Franke
– here in a rather unusual shape, maybe due to call matching during breeding period
– the upper right element is typical for Southern European call types, thus this call might be just very similar to Type A
TYPE B GROUP – very variable, as shown by Magnus Robb (2000)
– quite similar to Type D, most likely belongs to the same group
– the dominant breeding population in the Northern Alps
Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra ssp., type B (N1), flight call
BIF2021, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, Michèle Peron
TYPE C GROUP – the generalist among eurasian crossbills, widespread from Western Europe E to Japan
– nevertheless, shape has considerably changed during the last decades
– some variations occur, even in Europe
Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra ssp., type C (N4), flight call
BIF2018, 13/08/2017, Sachsendorf, Germany, Patrick Franke
– the classic type C shape
Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra ssp., putative type C (N9), flight call
BIF1994, 14/07/2017, Werdauer Forst, Germany, Patrick Franke
– obviously belongs to the type C group, despite very different excitement call
– used to be called Typ ISO in the past
Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra ssp., putative type C (N5), flight call
Goldcrest Regulus r. regulus, flight call
Marsh Tit Poecile p. palustris, call
BIF1986, 02/12/2014, Werdauer Forst, Germany, Patrick Franke
– maybe an extreme variation of type C
Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra ssp., type C (N11), AD M, AD F JUV, flight call, excitement call
BIF2261, 22/05/2018, Důl Bílého Labe, Czech Republic, Patrick Franke
– included into type B by Magnus Robb (2000) based on the very different excitement call
– considering the flight call only, clearly belongs to the type C group
– related to Black & Mountain Pine
Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra ssp., type C (N11), flight call
BIF1987, 02/02/2018, Werdauer Forst, Germany, Patrick Franke
Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra ssp., type C (N11), M, flight call
BIF1990, 17/02/2015, Šumava National Park, Czech Republic, Patrick Franke
– another rather extreme variation, maybe due to call matching during the breeding period
– typical chitter calls of this variation in background
TYPE D GROUP
– widespread
– only unobvious variations within this group
Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra ssp., type D (N7), AD M, flight call
BIF1998, 01/03/2014, Werdauer Forst, Germany, Patrick Franke
Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra ssp., type D (N7), flight call
Blue Tit Cyanistes c. caeruleus, call Yellowhammer Emberiza c. citrinella, call
BIF2257, 02/02/2018, Werdauer Forst, Germany, Patrick Franke
– rather extreme variation, maybe due to call matching during the breeding period
TYPE E GROUP
– the flight call has undergone a slightly change since Robb (2000) described it
– with some local dialects and variations
– it is widespread to consider this type as the current form of type A
– type A and type E still exist in shapes and variations described by M. Robb (2000)
– breeding range restricted to N-England and Scotland
Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra ssp., type E (N3), flight call
Stock Dove Columba o. oenas, song
BIF1997, 14/07/2017, Werdauer Forst, Germany, Patrick Franke
Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra ssp., type E (N3), flight call
BIF1996, 16/07/2017, Terpitz, Germany, Patrick Franke
TYPE F GROUP
– just exceptionally found in Central Europe
– only a single recording out of more 900+ Red Crossbill recordings in our archive
Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra ssp., type F, flight call
BIF3347, 02/02/2018, Werdau, Germany, Patrick Franke
TYPE X GROUP
– the flight call has undergone some change since Robb (2000) described it
– generally rather invariable (see above for exceptions)
– most likely belongs to the same group as type C
Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra ssp., type X (N8), flight call
BIF2011, 14/07/2017, Werdauer Forst, Germany, Patrick Franke
Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra ssp., type X (N8), flight call
BIF2260, 04/03/2018, Reudnitz, Germany, Patrick Franke
Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra ssp., type X (N8), JUV, flight call
BIF2010, 18/03/2014, Werdauer Forst, Germany, Patrick Franke
MIXED FLOCKS
Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra ssp., type A C D F X, 30 IND, flight call
BIF2015, 14/07/2017, Werdauer Forst, Germany, Patrick Franke
Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra ssp., type A C D F X, 30 IND, flight call
BIF2016, 14/07/2017, Werdauer Forst, Germany, Patrick Franke
Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra ssp., type A C D, flight call
BIF2014, 14/07/2017, Werdauer Forst, Germany, Patrick Franke
References:
Clouet M., J. Joachim 2015, Vocal Types of Common Crossbills in the Pyrenees and the Alps, Ardea
Förschler M. et al. 2009, Vocal types in crossbill populations (Loxia spp.) of Southwest Europe, Journal of Ornithology
Martin R. et al. 2019, Delimitation of call types of Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) in the Western Palearctic, Ecotone
Münch H. 2007, Die Kreuzschnäbel, Westarp Wissenschaften
Robb M. S. 2000, Introduction to vocalizations of crossbills in north-western Europe, Dutch Birding 22
Summers R.W. et al. 2002, The distribution and habitats of crossbills Loxia spp. in Britain, with special reference to the Scottish Crossbill Loxia scotica, Ibis
– sparrow-sized passerine
– diurnal migrant
– migrates in small to large, rather dense flocks, often mixed with Brambling
>> VISUAL ID >>>>>
Common Chaffinch Fringilla c. coelebs, F
BIF1721, 25/01/2017, Brinnis, Germany, Mathias Putze
– strong undulating flight, thus wings often folded
– outer rectrices white
Common Chaffinch Fringilla c. coelebs, F
BIF2854, 04/10/2018, North Sea, offshore, Roland Neumann
– most striking feature white wingbar, white medium and lesser coverts panel
– back brownish grey with olive rump (see also M in BIF1190)
Common Chaffinch Fringilla c. coelebs, F
BIF2140, 09/10/2017, Rerik, Germany, Roland Neumann
Common Chaffinch Fringilla c. coelebs, M AD NBREED
BIF1187, 30/10/2013, Leipzig, Germany, Mathias Putze
– translucent wingbar broader in secondaries (same width in Brambling)
– underside of M in NBREED dull rusty red, gradually lighter towards tail
Common Chaffinch Fringilla c. coelebs, M AD NBREED
BIF1189, 20/09/2014, North Sea, offshore, Mathias Putze
– dark upperwing contrasting to brownish back
Common Chaffinch Fringilla c. coelebs, M AD NBREED
BIF1190, 20/09/2014, North Sea, offshore, Mathias Putze
Common Chaffinch Fringilla c. coelebs, M AD NBREED Bramling Fringilla montifringilla, M NBREED
BIF1192, 27/10/2014, Leipzig, Germany, Mathias Putze
– same size as Brambling
Common Chaffinch Fringilla c. coelebs, M AD NBREED
BIF0061, 09/10/2012, Gülper See, Germany, Mathias Putze
– notched medium length tail Common Chaffinch Fringilla c. coelebs, M AD NBREED
BIF0063, 01/10/2011, North Sea, offshore, Germany, Mathias Putze
Common Chaffinch Fringilla c. coelebs
BIF2855, 04/10/2018, North Sea, offshore, Roland Neumann
– with headwind over water migrating flocks fly very low above the surface
Common Chaffinch Fringilla c. coelebs Meadow Pipit Anthus campestris, 3rd from left
BIF2856, 04/10/2018, North Sea, offshore, Roland Neumann
– rather loose flocking
Common Chaffinch Fringilla c. coelebs
BIF1193, 10/11/2012, Torgau, Germany, Mathias Putze
Common Chaffinch Fringilla c. coelebs Bramling Fringilla montifringilla
BIF0793, 13/04/2013, Hof, Germany, Mathias Putze
– the white wing panel is the best ID feature in mixed flocks
>> ACOUSTIC ID >>>>>
– two different calls during migration
– the flight call is a medium steep downslurred single call like ‘yupp’
– this flight call sounds and looks very similar to calls of other finches (listed below) and Eurasian Tree Sparrow
– much less often uttered is the hard, metallic ‘pink’
– in comparison to Great Tit the Common Chaffinch’s ‘pink’ doesn’t end sustained but with a short downslurred hook
Common Chaffinch Fringilla c. coelebs, flight call, pink!
BIF0064, 23/10/2008, Greifswalder Oie, Germany, Patrick Franke
BIF2220, 04/03/2018, Reudnitz, Germany, Patrick Franke
– Brambling calls can sound confusingly similar, but in most cases pitch, angle and spaces between harmonics reveal the ID
Common Chaffinch Fringilla c. coelebs, flight call
BIF2225, 10/10/2017, Kühlungsborn, Germany, Patrick Franke
Common Chaffinch Fringilla c. coelebs, M, flight call
BIF2226, 21/12/2009, Greifswalder Oie, Germany, Patrick Franke
Common Chaffinch Fringilla c. coelebs, flight call
BIF2227, 28/10/2010, Eisfeld, Germany, Patrick Franke
Common Chaffinch Fringilla c. coelebs, flight call Yellowhammer Emberiza c. citrinella, flight call
BIF2228, 28/10/2010, Eisfeld, Germany, Patrick Franke
Common Chaffinch Fringilla c. coelebs, flight call
BIF2229, 29/10/2010, Altenfeld, Germany, Patrick Franke
Common Chaffinch Fringilla c. coelebs, flight call BIF2230, 01/11/2010, Eisfeld, Germany, Patrick Franke
– sparrow-sized passerine
– diurnal/nocturnal migrant
– migrates in small to large, rather dense flocks, often mixed with Common Chaffinch
– very vocal
>> VISUAL ID >>>>>
Brambling Fringilla montifringilla, M AD NBREED
BIF0066, 21/10/2012, North Sea, offshore, Germany, Mathias Putze
– M in NBREED with greyish black head
– M with unpatterned orange lesser coverts
– yellow bill with dark tip
Brambling Fringilla montifringilla, M AD NBREED
BIF0067, 21/10/2012, North Sea, offshore, Germany, Mathias Putze
– dull orange breast and flanks contrasting to white belly (Common Chaffinch with unicoloured underside)
Brambling Fringilla montifringilla, M AD NBREED
BIF0065, 21/10/2012, North Sea, offshore, Germany, Mathias Putze
– M with contrasting orange/black upperwing
– white rump
– distinctly notched tail
Brambling Fringilla montifringilla
BIF0068, 21/10/2012, North Sea, offshore, Germany, Mathias Putze
– yellow lesser underwing coverts
– translucent wingbar same width (broader on secondaries in Common Chaffinch)
Brambling Fringilla montifringilla
BIF0069, 22/10/2012, Jadebusen, Germany, Mathias Putze
– in comparison to Common Chaffinch, the Brambling’s dark head and breast contrasting to white belly can be a good feature from below
Brambling Fringilla montifringilla Common Chaffinch Fringilla c. coelebs
BIF0792, 13/04/13, Hof, Germany, Mathias Putze
– M BREED with jet black head and back strongly contrasting to orange/black wing and black tail
– F (e.g. three birds to the right) much duller with greyish brown upperside and lesser wing coverts
– both sexes with diagnostic white rump
Brambling Fringilla montifringilla Common Chaffinch Fringilla c. coelebs
BIF0793, 13/04/13, Hof, Germany, Mathias Putze
Brambling Fringilla montifringilla Common Chaffinch Fringilla c. coelebs (3rd from right)
BIF0526, 22/10/2012, Jadebusen, Germany, Mathias Putze
>> ACOUSTIC ID >>>>>
– two different calls during migration
– social call an unmistakable, nasal, sustained, polyphonic overslurr
– often this call is the first hint of an approaching Brambling
– flight call a sharply downslurred, a bit squeaky single note
– the flight call looks and sounds very similar to other finches (listed below) and Eurasian Tree Sparrow
Brambling Fringilla montifringilla, flight call, social call Common Chaffinch Fringilla c. coelebs, flight call Common Blackbird Turdus m. merula, flight call Fieldfare Turdus pilaris, flight call Redwing Turdus i. iliacus, flight call Yellowhammer Emberiza c. citrinella, flight call
BIF2158, 25/10/2008, Greifswalder Oie, Germany, Patrick Franke
BIF2220, 04/03/2018, Reudnitz, Germany, Patrick Franke
– Common Chaffinch calls can sound confusingly similar, but in most cases pitch, angle and spaces between harmonics reveal the ID
– small passerine, much smaller than House Sparrow
– diurnal migrant, rarely nocturnal
– migrates in small to large, dense and messy flocks
– very vocal
>> VISUAL ID >>>>>
Eurasian Siskin Spinus spinus M putative 2CY, F
BIF2055, 01/01/2018, Parkentin, Germany, Roland Neumann
– very compact finch
– M (centre) with olive basic colouration
Eurasian Siskin Spinus spinus M
BIF2056, 01/01/2018, Parkentin, Germany, Roland Neumann
– breast and belly unicoloured olive
– streaking of underside restricted to rear flanks and vent
Eurasian Siskin Spinus spinus M, F
BIF2086, 10/12/2012, Leipzig, Germany, Mathias Putze
– underside of F (left centre) light-grey with distinctly broad dark streaking
– in F olive tones missing or only faint on head and throat
Eurasian Siskin Spinus spinus
BIF2057, 01/01/2018, Parkentin, Germany, Roland Neumann
– against the light the silhouette with forked tail (shortest tail of the small finches) and translucent wingbar are the most important features
– M (lowest bird) with much broader wingbar and extensive yellow in rectrices (sometimes hardly visible in folded tail)
– possibly confusable with European Greenfinch but much smaller
Eurasian Siskin Spinus spinus M, F
BIF2058, 01/01/2018, Parkentin, Germany, Roland Neumann
– against the light, olive tones not easy to recognise, but note short tail and compact jizz
Eurasian Siskin Spinus spinus M, F
BIF2059, 01/01/2018, Parkentin, Germany, Roland Neumann
– bill proportionally longer than in most other finches
Eurasian Siskin Spinus spinus M, F
BIF2087, 10/12/2012, Leipzig, Germany, Mathias Putze
– a mix of light grey and olive tones, flocks usually consist of both sexes
Eurasian Siskin Spinus spinus M, F European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Common Redpoll Acanthis f. flammea
BIF2060, 01/01/2018, Parkentin, Germany, Roland Neumann
– often mixed with redpolls Acanthis sp. or European Goldfinch, note the much shorter tail
Eurasian Siskin Spinus spinus M, F European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Common Redpoll Acanthis f. flammea
BIF2061, 01/01/2018, Parkentin, Germany, Roland Neumann
– in direct comparison slightly smaller than European Goldfinch
and Common Redpoll ssp. flammea (ssp. cabaret about the same size)
Eurasian Siskin Spinus spinus M, F Common Redpoll Acanthis f. flammea
BIF2062, 01/01/2018, Parkentin, Germany, Roland Neumann
– note the comparatively rounder head and the longer rear end of Common Redpoll (second from bottom)
Eurasian Siskin Spinus spinus M, F European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Common Redpoll Acanthis f. flammea
BIF2063, 01/01/2018, Parkentin, Germany, Roland Neumann
– flocks in flight appear very flustered and at greater distance plumage and other features not easy to observe, therefore best identified by voice and flocking behaviour
Eurasian Siskin Spinus spinus M, F
BIF2064, 27/12/2017, Storbeck, Germany, Roland Neumann
>> ACOUSTIC ID >>>>>
– very vocal
– very short, dry, broadband flight call like ‘tet’, often delivered in fast series
– flight call not often used by single birds, but often in flocks
– social call a 0,3s long, monophonic downslur, sounds very similar to Common Redpoll‘s upslur
– partials often not visible in spectrogram
– more space between partials than in Common Redpoll (less nasal timbre)
– huge variation in flight calls due to ‘call matching’ between partners and flockmates (Mundinger 1979)
– in addition, Eurasian Siskins sometimes sing during migration (autumn and spring)
– calls learned from parents or other birds near nest
Eurasian Siskin Spinus spinus, flight call, social call, song-like element
BIF2081, 31/12/2017, Darßwald, Germany, Patrick Franke
Eurasian Siskin Spinus spinus, two different social calls
BIF2082, 31/12/2017, Darßwald, Germany, Patrick Franke
– sometimes birds utter more complex social calls or song-like elements in flight too, in the latter case an polyphonic upslur
Eurasian Siskin Spinus spinus, flight call, social call Common Redpoll Acanthis flammea ssp., flight call, social call Common Chaffinch Fringilla c. coelebs, flight call
BIF2085, 31/12/2017, Darßwald, Germany, Patrick Franke
Eurasian Siskin Spinus spinus, flight call, song
BIF2076, 19/02/2017, Torgau, Germany, Patrick Franke
Eurasian Siskin Spinus spinus, flight call, social call Common Blackbird Turdus m. merula, excitement call
BIF2077, 28/10/2007, Torgau, Germany, Patrick Franke
Eurasian Siskin Spinus spinus, social call Common Chaffinch Fringilla c. coelebs, flight call
BIF2078, 27/10/2014, Werbeliner See, Germany, Patrick Franke
Eurasian Siskin Spinus spinus, social call
BIF2079, 27/09/2016, Prerow, Germany, Patrick Franke
Eurasian Siskin Spinus spinus, flight call, social call
BIF2944, 31/12/2017, Darß, Germany, Patrick Franke Eurasian Siskin Spinus spinus, flight call, social call – overview –
BIF2944, 31/12/2017, Darß, Germany, Patrick Franke
Eurasian Siskin Spinus spinus, flight call, social call
BIF2947, 28/01/2018, Leipzig, Germany, Patrick Franke
Eurasian Siskin Spinus spinus, flight call, social call Fieldfare Turdus pilaris, excitement call
BIF2080, 23/12/2006, Zingst, Germany, Patrick Franke
Eurasian Siskin Spinus spinus, flight call, social call Common Redpoll Acanthis flammea ssp., flight call, social call
BIF2083, 31/12/2017, Darßwald, Germany, Patrick Franke
Eurasian Siskin Spinus spinus, flight call, social call Common Redpoll Acanthis flammea ssp., flight call, social call
BIF2084, 31/12/2017, Darßwald, Germany, Patrick Franke
– small passerine, slightly smaller than House Sparrow
– diurnal migrant
– migrates in small to large, rather dense flocks
– very vocal
>> VISUAL ID >>>>>
Twite Linaria f. flavirostris
BIF2039, 04/02/2017, Cuxhaven, Germany, Roland Neumann
– rather small and compact finch
– medium-length tail (slightly longer than Common Redpoll)
– bill weaker (and yellow in winter) giving a ‘cute’ face expression
Twite Linaria f. flavirostris
BIF2214, 22/10/2010, Fehmarn, Germany, Martin Grimm
compared to Common Linnet:
– broader off-white greater coverts wingbar
– upperside streaked brown (not reddish-brown)
– white primary panel often less prominent
Twite Linaria f. flavirostris Common Linnet Linaria c. cannabina (e.g. 3rd from left)
BIF2212, 22/10/2010, Fehmarn, Germany, Martin Grimm
compared to Common Linnet:
– very similar jizz but largely white belly and flanks
– flanks of Common Linnet buffish
– bill weaker (and yellow in winter)
Twite Linaria f. flavirostris Common Linnet Linaria c. cannabina (right and 4th from left)
BIF2213, 22/10/2010, Fehmarn, Germany, Martin Grimm
– Eurasian Twite with yellow-brown upper breast and upper flanks, chin and central throat unstreaked
– Common Linnet with white wedge on upper belly and stronger patterned face
Twite Linaria f. flavirostris Common Linnet Linaria c. cannabina European Greenfinch Chloris c. chloris
BIF2211, 22/10/2010, Fehmarn, Germany, Martin Grimm
– mixed flock, both Linaria species clearly smaller than the accompanying European Greenfinch
Twite Linaria f. flavirostris
BIF2042, 14/03/2014, Havelland, Germany, Mathias Putze
– deeper forked tail than Common Linnet
– head and upper breast appear dark against the light
Twite Linaria f. flavirostris
BIF2040, 04/02/2017, Cuxhaven, Germany, Roland Neumann
Twite Linaria f. flavirostris
BIF2041, 04/02/2017, Cuxhaven, Germany, Roland Neumann
– note pale wingbar visible even at greater distance, wings often folded due to strong undulating flight
– often features not easy to observe therefore best determined by voice
>> ACOUSTIC ID >>>>>
– very vocal
– in flight usually fast series of complex polyphonic elements (song like impression)
– similar to Common Linnet
– easiest recognisable is a polyphonic, fast and narrow modulated upslur, similar to Eurasian Siskin
or Common Redpoll, but with a somewhat electronic timbre (‘flanger’ effect)
Twite Linaria f. flavirostris, calls in flight
European Herring Gull Larus argentatus
BIF2045, 26/12/2014, Gollwitz, Germany, Patrick Franke
Twite Linaria flavirostris korejevi, calls in flight
BIF2043, 30/04/2011, unknown steppe lake, Eastern Kazakhstan, Patrick Franke
Twite Linaria flavirostris korejevi, calls in flight
BIF2044, 30/04/2011, unknown steppe lake, Eastern Kazakhstan, Patrick Franke
– small passerine, smaller than House Sparrow
– diurnal migrant
– migrates in small to large, rather dense flocks
– very vocal
– uncertain taxonomic status, often treated as separate species:
Lesser Redpoll Acanthis cabaret and Mealy Redpoll Acanthis flammea
>> VISUAL ID >>>>>
Common Redpoll Acanthis f. flammea
BIF2022, 13/12/2017, Konow, Germany, Roland Neumann
– rather small and compact finch
– strong undulating flight thus wings often folded
– deeply forked, medium-length tail
Common Redpoll Acanthis f. flammea
BIF2023, 13/12/2017, Konow, Germany, Roland Neumann
– chin and around base of bill black, red poll, fairly short yellow bill
– pinkish wash of breast and upper belly indicate an AD M (lower bird)
– basic colouration lighter than of ssp. cabaret
Common Redpoll Acanthis f. flammea
BIF2024, 13/12/2017, Konow, Germany, Roland Neumann
– depending on angle more or less stocky
– tail seems to be longer and less forked when fanned out
Common Redpoll Acanthis f. flammea with Acanthis flammea cabaret
BIF2038, 13/12/2017, Konow, Germany, Roland Neumann
– right-hand bird ssp. cabaret, note darker colouration and smaller size
– the bird lowest to the right (out of focus) is very pale and unmarked and might be an AD M Arctic Redpoll
Common Redpoll Acanthis f. flammea
BIF2025, 13/12/2017, Konow, Germany, Roland Neumann
– grey-brown back and to a different extend rather pale rump (same colour as back in ssp. cabaret)
– two whitish wingbars
– no obvious white fringes in primaries -> Common Linnet -> Eurasian Twite
Common Redpoll Acanthis f. flammea
BIF2026, 13/12/2017, Konow, Germany, Roland Neumann
– lighter pale grey-brown than other similar sized finches
– different colour hue between the individuals sometimes makes it impossible to be sure about ssp.
Common Redpoll Acanthis f. flammea
BIF2028, 13/12/2017, Konow, Germany, Roland Neumann
– extend and intensity of flank-streaking very variable
– very pale and bull-necked individuals are probably of tundra origin could be Arctic Redpolls but ID very difficult (e.g. centre lowest)
Common Redpoll Acanthis f. flammea Eurasian Siskin Spinus spinus M F European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis
BIF2060, 01/01/2018, Parkentin, Germany, Roland Neumann
– often mixed with Eurasian Siskin, in direct comparison slightly larger
– appears elongated due to longer tail
– head rounder with shorter bill
– lacks translucent wing-band
Common Redpoll Acanthis f. flammea
BIF2027, 13/12/2017, Konow, Germany, Roland Neumann
– at greater distance pale rump and lack of white in primaries are good pointers
– due to messy flocking features not easy to observe, therefore best determined by voice
>> ACOUSTIC ID >>>>>
– very vocal
– huge variation in flight calls due to ‘call matching’ between partners
and flockmates (Mundinger 1979)
– calls learned from parents or other birds near nest
– flight call a fast series of polyphonic rather complex calls, often uttered in couplets or triplets
– ‘dry’ almost mechanical timbre like ‘che che’ somewhat similar to Red Crossbill
– social call a 0.3s long, polyphonic upslur, very similar to Eurasian Siskin
Common Redpoll Acanthis flammea cabaret, flight call, social call
BIF2029, 14/06/2009, Grainau, Germany, Michéle Peron
– complete overview – Common Redpoll Acanthis flammea ssp., flight call, social call
BIF2030, 23/10/2008, Greifswalder Oie, Germany, Patrick Franke
Common Redpoll Acanthis flammea ssp., flight call
BIF2031, 19/11/2017, Göthewitz, Germany, Patrick Franke
– complete overview – Common Redpoll Acanthis flammea ssp., flight call
BIF2032, 25/10/2008, Greifswalder Oie, Germany, Patrick Franke
Common Redpoll Acanthis flammea ssp., flight call
BIF2033, 16/11/2014, Mannhausen, Germany, Patrick Franke
Common Redpoll Acanthis flammea islandica, excitement call in flight, flight call
BIF2034, 14/06/2015, Kerið, Iceland, Patrick Franke
Common Redpoll Acanthis flammea islandica, excitement call in flight
BIF2035, 14/06/2015, Kerið, Iceland, Patrick Franke
Common Redpoll Acanthis flammea islandica, flight call, social call
BIF2036, 27/06/2015, Hrisey, Iceland, Patrick Franke
Common Redpoll Acanthis flammea ssp., 12, flight call
BIF2037, 19/02/2017, Mannhausen, Germany, Patrick Franke
Common Redpoll Acanthis flammea ssp., flight call
BIF2646, 10/12/2017, Werbeliner See, Germany, Patrick Franke
Common Redpoll Acanthis flammea ssp., flight call
BIF2648, 28/01/2018, Leipzig, Germany, Patrick Franke
Common Redpoll Acanthis flammea ssp., flight call Eurasian Siskin Spinus s. spinus, flight call, social call
BIF2649, 26/12/2017, Prerow, Germany, Patrick Franke
Common Redpoll Acanthis flammea ssp., 100, flight call
BIF2650, 02/02/2018, Werdauer Forst, Germany, Patrick Franke
References:
Ernst, S 1998. Die Birkenzeisige, Verlag der Buchhandlung Klingenthal
Herremans, M 1989. Vocalizations of Common, Lesser and Arctic Redpolls, Dutch Birding 11
Molau, U 1985. Grásiskkomplexet i Sverige, Vár Fágelvërld 44
Mundinger, P C 1979. Call Learning in the Carduelinae: Ethological and Systematic Considerations, Systematic Zoology, Vol. 28
Pieplow, N 2013. Common and Hoary Redpolls, earbirding.com
Pieplow, N 2017, Peterson Field Guide to Bird Sounds of Eastern North America, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Veprintsev, B N & Zablotskaya, M M 1982 . Acoustic communication of the Hornemann’s Redpoll Acanthis hornemanni, Pushchino
Zablotskaya, M M 1981. Acoustical communication of the Common Redpoll Acanthis flammea flammea Pushchino
– small passerine, slightly smaller than a sparrow
– diurnal migrant
– migrates in small to medium, rather dense flocks
– very vocal
>> VISUAL ID >>>>>
Common Linnet Linaria c. cannabina, 1CY
BIF0438, 24/07/2013, Prignitz, Germany, Mathias Putze
Common Linnet Linaria c. cannabina, 1CY
BIF0439, 19/10/2013, Wermsdorf, Germany, Mathias Putze
Common Linnet Linaria c. cannabina, M AD BREED
BIF0572, 01/07/2015, Rügen, Germany, Mathias Putze
Common Linnet Linaria c. cannabina, M AD BREED
BIF0574, 01/07/2015, Rügen, Germany, Mathias Putze
Common Linnet Linaria c. cannabina, M AD BREED
BIF0575, 01/07/2015, Rügen, Germany, Mathias Putze
Common Linnet Linaria c. cannabina, NBREED
BIF0971, 18/01/2016, Wilsen, Germany, Roland Neumann
Common Linnet Linaria c. cannabina, F or 1CY
BIF0592, 09/08/2013, Prignitz, Germany, Mathias Putze
Common Linnet Linaria c. cannabina, 1CY
BIF0596, 24/07/2013, Prignitz, Germany, Mathias Putze
Common Linnet Linaria c. cannabina, NBREED Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer m. montanus European Goldfinch Carduelis c. carduelis
BIF1199, 25/01/2017, Brinnis, Germany, Mathias Putze
Common Linnet Linaria c. cannabina, NBREED Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer m. montanus European Goldfinch Carduelis c. carduelis
BIF1200, 25/01/2017, Brinnis, Germany, Mathias Putze
Common Linnet Linaria c. cannabina Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer m. montanus
European Goldfinch Carduelis c. carduelis
BIF1201, 25/01/2017, Brinnis, Germany, Mathias Putze
Common Linnet Linaria c. cannabina
Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer m. montanus
European Goldfinch Carduelis c. carduelis
BIF1202, 25/01/2017, Brinnis, Germany, Mathias Putze
Common Linnet Linaria c. cannabina European Goldfinch Carduelis c. carduelis
BIF1203, 25/01/2017, Brinnis, Germany, Mathias Putze
Common Linnet Linaria c. cannabina Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer m. montanus
European Goldfinch Carduelis c. carduelis
Brambling Fringilla montifringilla
BIF1204, 25/01/2017, Brinnis, Germany, Mathias Putze
Common Linnet Linaria c. cannabina
European Goldfinch Carduelis c. carduelis
BIF1205, 25/01/2017, Brinnis, Germany, Mathias Putze
Common Linnet Linaria c. cannabina
European Goldfinch Carduelis c. carduelis
BIF1206, 25/01/2017, Brinnis, Germany, Mathias Putze
Common Linnet Linaria c. cannabina
BIF1207, 25/01/2017, Brinnis, Germany, Mathias Putze
Common Linnet Linaria c. cannabina
BIF1208, 25/01/2017, Brinnis, Germany, Mathias Putze
Common Linnet Linaria c. cannabina
BIF1209, 25/01/2017, Brinnis, Germany, Mathias Putze
Common Linnet Linaria c. cannabina European Goldfinch Carduelis c. carduelis
BIF1210, 25/01/2017, Brinnis, Germany, Mathias Putze
Common Linnet Linaria c. cannabina
BIF1211, 25/01/2017, Brinnis, Germany, Mathias Putze
Common Linnet Linaria c. cannabina
BIF3418, 29/19/2020, Stüdenitz, Germany, Patrick Franke
>> ACOUSTIC ID >>>>>
– flight call a single sharply downslurrd element with harmonic partials
– a dry, fairly nasal timbre
– (very) similar to Brambling, European Goldfinch, Common Chaffinch or Eurasian Tree Sparrow
– social call a rather pipit-like, variable downslur
– 1CY’s downslurred calls sound very nasal
– the slow, broad modulation causes a two-syllable impression
Common Linnet Linaria c. cannabina, calls in flight
BIF1724, 25/10/2017, Hohenroda, Germany, Patrick Franke
Common Linnet Linaria c. cannabina, 1CY, AD, calls in flight
BIF0443, 27/07/2008, Mieste, Germany, Patrick Franke
Common Linnet Linaria c. cannabina, AD 1CY, calls in flight
BIF0442, 26/10/2010, Eisfeld, Germany, Patrick Franke
Common Linnet Linaria c. cannabina, calls in flight
BIF0929, 22/08/2012, Witt, Germany, Patrick Franke
Common Linnet Linaria c. cannabina, social call, flight call
BIF2149, 28/05/2017, Terpitz, Germany, Patrick Franke
Common Linnet Linaria c. cannabina, flight call
BIF2934, 21/07/2018, Karrendorfer Wiesen, Germany, Patrick Franke
Common Linnet Linaria c. cannabina, flight call
BIF2935, 21/07/2018, Karrendorfer Wiesen, Germany, Patrick Franke
– small passerine, smaller than a sparrow
– diurnal migrant
– migrates in small to medium, dense flocks
– often mixed with other finches
>> VISUAL ID >>>>>
European Goldfinch Carduelis c. carduelis, AD, 1CY
BIF0873, 18/08/2013, Hessen, Germany, Martin Grimm
European Goldfinch Carduelis c. carduelis
European Greenfinch Chloris c. chloris
BIF0874, 26/12/2015, Havelland, Germany, Mathias Putze
European Goldfinch Carduelis c. carduelis
European Greenfinch Chloris c. chloris
BIF0875, 26/12/2015, Havelland, Germany, Mathias Putze
European Goldfinch Carduelis c. carduelis, AD, 1CY
European Greenfinch Chloris c. chloris
BIF0876, 01/10/2012, Wermsdorfer Teiche, Germany, Mathias Putze
European Goldfinch Carduelis c. carduelis
Common Linnet Linaria c. cannabina
Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer m. montanus
BIF1199, 25/01/2017, Brinnis, Germany, Mathias Putze
European Goldfinch Carduelis c. carduelis
BIF3421, 26/11/2020, Weitgendorf, Germany, Patrick Franke
– ID straightforward, even in dense fog
European Goldfinch Carduelis c. carduelis
BIF3423, 26/11/2020, Weitgendorf, Germany, Patrick Franke
– ID straightforward, even in dense fog
European Goldfinch Carduelis c. carduelis
Common Linnet Linaria c. cannabina
Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer m. montanus
BIF1201, 25/01/2017, Brinnis, Germany, Mathias Putze
European Goldfinch Carduelis c. carduelis
Common Linnet Linaria c. cannabina
BIF1203, 25/01/2017, Brinnis, Germany, Mathias Putze
European Goldfinch Carduelis c. carduelis
Common Linnet Linaria c. cannabina
Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer m. montanus
Brambling Fringilla montifringilla
BIF1204, 25/01/2017, Brinnis, Germany, Mathias Putze
European Goldfinch Carduelis c. carduelis
Common Linnet Linaria c. cannabina
BIF1205, 25/01/2017, Brinnis, Germany, Mathias Putze
European Goldfinch Carduelis c. carduelis
Common Linnet Linaria c. cannabina
BIF1206, 25/01/2017, Brinnis, Germany, Mathias Putze
European Goldfinch Carduelis c. carduelis
European Greenfinch Chloris c. chloris
BIF0877, 26/12/2015, Havelland, Germany, Mathias Putze
European Goldfinch Carduelis c. carduelis
BIF0878, 10/01/2012, Schadebacher Teiche, Germany, Mathias Putze
European Goldfinch Carduelis c. carduelis
European Greenfinch Chloris c. chloris
BIF0879, 10/01/2012, Schadebacher Teiche, Germany, Mathias Putze
European Goldfinch Carduelis c. carduelis
BIF0880, 26/12/2015, Havelland, Germany, Mathias Putze
European Goldfinch Carduelis c. carduelis
BIF1067, 20/01/2017, Ölzschau, Germany, Mathias Putze
European Goldfinch Carduelis c. carduelis
BIF1068, 20/01/2017, Ölzschau, Germany, Mathias Putze
>> ACOUSTIC ID >>>>>
European Goldfinch Carduelis c. carduelis, calls during migration
BIF0890, 20/10/2010, Altenfeld, Germany, Patrick Franke
European Goldfinch Carduelis c. carduelis, 30, calls in flight
BIF0891, 28/03/2014, Werbeliner See, Germany, Patrick Franke
