Attracting Backyard Birds: Common Redpolls

Common Redpolls are small finches that breed in the Arctic. They migrate erratically in winter, sometimes reaching as far south as the southern U.S. In winter, they may visit feeders in large flocks and scavenge on open seeds left by bigger birds. Let's look at what foods and feeders they like best.

Food Types: Common Redpolls will devour njyer seeds (often called "thistle"). These needle-shaped seeds are the perfect size to match their tiny bills. Hulled sunflower seeds are a great "no mess" option at your feeder, but they are more expensive and spoil faster without a shell. Black oil sunflower seeds are popular among many species. They have thin shells that are easy enough for Common Redpolls to crack open.

Feeder Types: Nyjer feeders may be designed as tubes with small feeding ports or as mesh feeders that small birds like redpolls cling to while foraging. Hoppers protect seeds from weather and hold surplus seed. A small hopper will prevent large birds from monopolizing food. Small tube feeders offer multiple small feeding ports with short perches that will accommodate Common Redpolls but exclude larger birds.

Landscaping Tips: The small seeds from catkins of alder and birch will fill your backyard with winter food supplies that are familiar to Common Redpolls.

Food and feeder illustrations by Justine Lee Hirten and Jillian Ditner.

Thumbnail: Common Redpoll by Danny Tipton | Macaulay Library https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/140...

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