Michigan · Winter visitor

Common Redpolls in Michigan

When redpolls are present in Michigan, when they nest, which native Michigan plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 4a–6b yard.

Finches (Fringillidae)Common RedpollAcanthis flammea

Status in Michigan: Winter visitor
Nesting window: Does not typically nest here
Hardiness zones: USDA 4a–6b

When to expect redpolls in Michigan

In Michigan, redpolls are winter visitors rather than breeders. Lake-effect snow and long cold spells; Purple Finches breed in the north and winter farther south. While here they rely on birch seed and feeder nyjer.

Humid continental, strongly shaped by the Great Lakes; colder and snowier in the Upper Peninsula.

Native Michigan plants that attract redpolls

Of the regional native plants we track for Michigan, these 8 provide food or cover redpolls use:

Wild bergamot

Monarda fistulosa · Perennial

Nectar and seed.

Purple coneflower

Echinacea purpurea · Perennial

Leave seed heads up through winter for goldfinches.

Black-eyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta · Perennial

Prolific seed heads for finches and sparrows.

Common sunflower

Helianthus annuus · Perennial

Annual native sunflower — the original feeder seed.

New England aster

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae · Perennial

Late nectar for insects and fall seed for sparrows.

Little bluestem

Schizachyrium scoparium · Perennial

Native bunchgrass; winter seed and ground cover for sparrows and juncos.

Tall goldenrod

Solidago altissima · Perennial

Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.

Paper birch

Betula papyrifera · Tree

Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.

Feeding redpolls through the Michigan 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 Michigan's winter: Lake-effect snow and long cold spells; Purple Finches breed in the north and winter farther south.

Full diet breakdown for redpolls · Best feeder for redpolls

Frequently asked

Are redpolls in Michigan year-round?

No. Common Redpolls are winter visitors in Michigan and do not typically nest there.

What native plants attract redpolls in Michigan?

Wild bergamot, Purple coneflower, Black-eyed Susan, Common sunflower, New England aster, Little bluestem, Tall goldenrod, Paper birch are native plants in Michigan that provide food or cover for redpolls.

Other backyard birds in Michigan

Northern Cardinal Eastern Bluebird Black-capped Chickadee Purple Martin Downy Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker American Goldfinch Tufted Titmouse White-breasted Nuthatch House Wren Blue Jay House Finch Purple Finch Ruby-throated Hummingbird Mourning Dove American Robin Dark-eyed Junco White-throated Sparrow Song Sparrow Chipping Sparrow Red-bellied Woodpecker Northern Flicker Pileated Woodpecker Red-headed Woodpecker Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Red-breasted Nuthatch Brown Creeper Common Grackle Red-winged Blackbird Baltimore Oriole Orchard Oriole Rose-breasted Grosbeak Evening Grosbeak Pine Siskin Indigo Bunting Eastern Towhee Gray Catbird Brown Thrasher Cedar Waxwing Tree Swallow Barn Swallow Eastern Phoebe Chimney Swift Yellow-rumped Warbler Pine Warbler Eastern Screech-Owl Wood Thrush Great Crested Flycatcher Eastern Kingbird American Tree Sparrow House Sparrow European Starling Canada Jay Eurasian Collared-Dove

Sources

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.