Common Redpolls in British Columbia
When redpolls are present in British Columbia, when they nest, which native British Columbia plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 1a–9a yard.
- Status in British Columbia
- Winter visitor
- Nesting window
- Does not typically nest here
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 1a–9a
When to expect redpolls in British Columbia
In British Columbia, redpolls are winter visitors rather than breeders. Mild, wet coastal winters where Anna's Hummingbirds now overwinter; cold interior winters. While here they rely on birch seed and feeder nyjer.
Temperate rainforest on the coast, dry interior valleys and mountains, and boreal forest in the northeast.
Native British Columbia plants that attract redpolls
Of the regional native plants we track for British Columbia, these 8 provide food or cover redpolls use:
Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.
Prolific seed heads for finches and sparrows.
Annual native sunflower — the original feeder seed.
Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.
Nectar-rich in summer, seed for finches in fall.
Late-season bloom supports insects; seed for sparrows.
Early catkins draw insects for arriving warblers and hummingbirds.
Catkin seed for redpolls on the tundra.
Feeding redpolls through the British Columbia year
Redpolls survive −60°F nights with a throat pouch that stores seed; they arrive at feeders in irruption winters.
- Best foods: Nyjer, Hulled sunflower.
- In British Columbia's winter: Mild, wet coastal winters where Anna's Hummingbirds now overwinter; cold interior winters.
Frequently asked
Are redpolls in British Columbia year-round?
No. Common Redpolls are winter visitors in British Columbia and do not typically nest there.
What native plants attract redpolls in British Columbia?
Wild bergamot, Black-eyed Susan, Common sunflower, Paper birch, Rocky Mountain bee plant, Rabbitbrush, Willow (Bebb), Dwarf birch are native plants in British Columbia that provide food or cover for redpolls.
Common Redpolls in other regions
Other backyard birds in British Columbia
Sources
- Common Redpoll — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Common Redpoll life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Common Redpoll — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- eBird region overview and bar charts — British Columbia
- Plant Hardiness Zones of Canada — Natural Resources Canada
- Audubon Native Plants Database
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.