Redpoll

12 cm, 12 g. Small dull brownstreaked finch, but seen closely forehead crimson and chin black. Male in breeding season develops a pink to crimson flush on its breast, varying in intensity with individual and region. Juvenile lacks the crimson and black on the head and can look pale-headed. Often seen feeding or flying in large flocks, especially near weed-infested crops. Flight erratic and undulating; flight call a fast harsh rattling metallic ''chich-chich-chich'', sometimes followed by a ''bizzzz''. Main call a plaintive, questioning ''tsooeet?''. Habitat: Farmland, orchards, tussockland, forest and scrub margins, parks and gardens. Breeding: Oct-Feb.