The Hoary Redpoll (Acanthis hornemanni) is a small finch that inhabits the northernmost parts of North America and Eurasia. This species measures approximately 5.5 inches in length and weighs around 0.6 ounces. It is slightly larger than its close relative, the Common Redpoll, with a longer and more pointed bill.

One of the most distinguishing field marks of the Hoary Redpoll is its pale plumage. It has a gray-brown back with white underparts and a distinctive white rump patch. The bird’s face and breast are also white, with a black bib on the chin. The Hoary Redpoll has a smaller, more conical bill than the Common Redpoll, which helps to differentiate the two species.

The Hoary Redpoll is a migratory bird that breeds in the tundra regions of North America and Eurasia during the summer months. In the winter, it moves southward in search of food, with some individuals traveling as far south as the northern United States. The species is known to form large flocks during migration, which can include other finches such as the Snow Bunting.

This bird is mainly a seed-eater, feeding on a variety of seeds from trees and shrubs, including birch, alder, and willow. It can often be seen feeding on the ground, picking up seeds that have fallen from trees or searching through snowdrifts for food. The Hoary Redpoll is also known to occasionally feed on insects during the breeding season.

The Hoary Redpoll is a rare visitor to the lower 48 states of the United States, but it can be seen more regularly in Alaska and northern Canada. In the winter, it is most commonly found in the northern United States and Canada, where it can be seen feeding at bird feeders or in open fields. This bird is a favorite among birdwatchers due to its striking plumage and unique migration patterns.