Common Redpolls in Massachusetts
When redpolls are present in Massachusetts, when they nest, which native Massachusetts plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 5a–7b yard.
- Status in Massachusetts
- Winter visitor
- Nesting window
- Does not typically nest here
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 5a–7b
When to expect redpolls in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, redpolls are winter visitors rather than breeders. Snowy winters with nor'easters; Cape Cod is milder and holds more half-hardy birds. While here they rely on birch seed and feeder nyjer.
Humid continental with maritime influence on Cape Cod and the islands.
Native Massachusetts plants that attract redpolls
Of the regional native plants we track for Massachusetts, these 8 provide food or cover redpolls use:
Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.
Prolific seed heads for finches and sparrows.
Late nectar for insects and fall seed for sparrows.
Native bunchgrass; winter seed and ground cover for sparrows and juncos.
Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.
Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.
Hosts hundreds of caterpillar species; spring flowers draw early insects.
Among the first spring bloomers; early insects for returning migrants.
Feeding redpolls through the Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts's winter: Snowy winters with nor'easters; Cape Cod is milder and holds more half-hardy birds.
Frequently asked
Are redpolls in Massachusetts year-round?
No. Common Redpolls are winter visitors in Massachusetts and do not typically nest there.
What native plants attract redpolls in Massachusetts?
Wild bergamot, Black-eyed Susan, New England aster, Little bluestem, Tall goldenrod, Paper birch, Sugar maple, Red maple are native plants in Massachusetts that provide food or cover for redpolls.
Common Redpolls in other regions
Other backyard birds in Massachusetts
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 — Massachusetts
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- 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.