The subspecies of the Arctic redpoll, hornemanni and exilipes are recognized by their unstriped white, sometimes somewhat pink blushed-rump are still usually separated from the other subspecies. The lightest form is hornemanni, differentiated from exilipes by the narrower body and more upright posture, as well at the absence of flank markings. Especially with exilipes, individuals are found to have a very narrow and long beak. Exipiles is darker colored than hornemanni. The earlier recognized form hollboelli is a variety of flammea with a longer beak, which appears occasionally as well among the other subspecies. The smallest form is cabaret, which also displays the darkest brown coloring; rostrata is of the larger forms the darkest, and the striping on the flanks is very dark; disruptis is very similar to cabaret, although somewhat larger. Similar in size to rostrata is islandica, although overall with lighter markings, especially on the less strongly striped rumped. The names holboeilli and britannica can be used synonymously.

Size varies from 12 and 14 cm, depending on the subspecies. Gender can be determined, to some degree, in the various subspecies shortly before they are sexually mature. As a guide, the following can be observed: flammea and cabaret, females generally have somewhat darker brown markings. The bib (marking under the beak) is somewhat larger on males, as well as the "cap" on the head (Radtke, 19X7)  All of these characteristics are somewhat vaguely distinguished. A more accurate sexing is often first possible in spring, when the males  pseudo-penis is more recognizable and the females genital area becomes swollen (as described in canaries).  With older birds, the male can be recognized by the pink-colored breast.