Common Redpolls in Newfoundland and Labrador
When redpolls are present in Newfoundland and Labrador, when they nest, which native Newfoundland and Labrador plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 0a–6b yard.
- Status in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- July
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 0a–6b
When to expect redpolls in Newfoundland and Labrador
Common Redpolls are summer residents in Newfoundland and Labrador, arriving shortly before nesting begins in July and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on seeds and insects on the tundra.
Cool maritime on the island of Newfoundland; subarctic in Labrador.
Nesting in Newfoundland and Labrador
Across Newfoundland and Labrador, redpolls typically nest from July. Nest site: cup low in shrubs on the tundra. Females lay 4–5 eggs, incubate for 10–11 days, and young leave the nest after 10–14 days.
Cool summers; nesting often starts in June.
- Common Redpolls don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as paper birch, red maple, willow (bebb) for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native Newfoundland and Labrador plants that attract redpolls
Of the regional native plants we track for Newfoundland and Labrador, these 5 provide food or cover redpolls use:
Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.
Among the first spring bloomers; early insects for returning migrants.
Early catkins draw insects for arriving warblers and hummingbirds.
Catkin seed for redpolls on the tundra.
Tall magenta spikes are a key northern hummingbird flower.
Feeding redpolls through the Newfoundland and Labrador 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 Newfoundland and Labrador's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Frequently asked
Are redpolls in Newfoundland and Labrador year-round?
No. Common Redpolls are summer breeders in Newfoundland and Labrador and leave for the winter.
When do redpolls nest in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Nesting in Newfoundland and Labrador typically runs July, with 1–2 per season. Clutches are 4–5 eggs, incubated for 10–11 days.
What native plants attract redpolls in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Paper birch, Red maple, Willow (Bebb), Dwarf birch, Fireweed are native plants in Newfoundland and Labrador that provide food or cover for redpolls.
Common Redpolls in other regions
Other backyard birds in Newfoundland and Labrador
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 — Newfoundland and Labrador
- 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.