New Brunswick · Winter visitor

Common Redpolls in New Brunswick

When redpolls are present in New Brunswick, when they nest, which native New Brunswick plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 3a–5b yard.

Finches (Fringillidae)Common RedpollAcanthis flammea
Status in New Brunswick
Winter visitor
Nesting window
Does not typically nest here
Hardiness zones
Canada 3a–5b

When to expect redpolls in New Brunswick

In New Brunswick, redpolls are winter visitors rather than breeders. Cold, snowy winters. While here they rely on birch seed and feeder nyjer.

Humid continental with Bay of Fundy and Gulf of St. Lawrence coastlines and extensive forest.

Native New Brunswick plants that attract redpolls

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

Black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta · Perennial

Prolific seed heads for finches and sparrows.

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.

Sugar maple
Acer saccharum · Tree

Hosts hundreds of caterpillar species; spring flowers draw early insects.

Red maple
Acer rubrum · Tree

Among the first spring bloomers; early insects for returning migrants.

Willow (Bebb)
Salix bebbiana · Shrub

Early catkins draw insects for arriving warblers and hummingbirds.

Feeding redpolls through the New Brunswick 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 New Brunswick's winter: Cold, snowy winters.

Full diet breakdown for redpolls · Best feeder for redpolls

Frequently asked

Are redpolls in New Brunswick year-round?

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

What native plants attract redpolls in New Brunswick?

Black-eyed Susan, New England aster, Little bluestem, Tall goldenrod, Paper birch, Sugar maple, Red maple, Willow (Bebb) are native plants in New Brunswick that provide food or cover for redpolls.

Common Redpolls in other regions

Other backyard birds in New Brunswick

Sources

  1. Common Redpoll — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  2. Common Redpoll life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  3. Common Redpoll — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
  4. eBird region overview and bar charts — New Brunswick
  5. Plant Hardiness Zones of Canada — Natural Resources Canada
  6. 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.