A redpoll of the subspecies Acanthis flammea flammea, which has relatively pale, greyish plumage and breeds in the far north of Eurasia and North America; formerly also called common redpoll.
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in John Gould (1804–1881), ornithologist and publisher.
Definition of mealy redpoll in US English:
mealy redpoll
noun
A redpoll of the subspecies Acanthis flammea flammea, which has relatively pale, greyish plumage and breeds in the far north of Eurasia and North America; formerly also called common redpoll.
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in John Gould (1804–1881), ornithologist and publisher.