Small finch, rather warm brown and streaky overall with a small yellowish bill and deep red forehead patch (or "poll") and small black chin; male has bright pinkish-red blush to throat and breast. Compare with very similar Common Redpoll (identifying redpolls outside their breeding range is not always possible). Inhabits mixed and coniferous woodland and forest, especially in areas with birch trees; also found in parks and gardens, and visits seed feeders. Often in flocks, mainly in autumn–winter; feeds especially on birch catkins, also on seeds on the ground. A European species, introduced to New Zealand.