Population status

Hoary Redpoll
(Acanthis hornemanni)

Due to the Hoary Redpoll's extreme northern breeding habitat, the Christmas Bird Count (CBC), which monitors the species on its wintering grounds, is the only survey that provides information on population status. Despite substantial annual fluctuations in abundance (see graphs in table below), the Canadian CBC results suggest an overall increasing trend, especially since the mid-1990s. CBC results from throughout North America show a similar pattern for the continental population. However, few CBC counts are conducted in northern Canada where most birds overwinter and neither the Canadian nor the North American CBC provides good coverage of the winter range. Furthermore, this species is erratic in its winter movements so there is a great deal of variability in annual counts. Thus, the reliability of this species' population status assessment is considered low. The Hoary Redpoll is at an acceptable level relative to its national population goal (see Canada graph below)

 

Population goal and acceptable levels of variation

Species/groupGoalLower levelUpper level
Hoary RedpollMean abundance (2008-2012)10th percentile of observed abundance (1970-2012)Not applicable

Picture of logo Christmas Bird Count (CBC)

Additional information on: Christmas Bird Count (CBC)

Table 1: Population trends by geographic area
Geographic areaTime PeriodAnnual Trend Table 1 - footnote 1 Limits
LowerUpper
Canada Select to view graph of the geographic area: Canada 1970-2016; Christmas Bird Count (CBC)1970-20163.9-2.110.1
North America Select to view graph of the geographic area: North America 1970-2016; Christmas Bird Count (CBC)1970-20163.8-2.19.73
 

References