Common Redpolls in North Dakota
When redpolls are present in North Dakota, when they nest, which native North Dakota plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3a–4b yard.
- Status in North Dakota
- Winter visitor
- Nesting window
- Does not typically nest here
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3a–4b
When to expect redpolls in North Dakota
In North Dakota, redpolls are winter visitors rather than breeders. Severe winters to −30°F; Snow Buntings and redpolls arrive from the Arctic. While here they rely on birch seed and feeder nyjer.
Continental northern prairie with prairie-pothole wetlands and the Missouri River breaks.
Native North Dakota plants that attract redpolls
Of the regional native plants we track for North Dakota, 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.
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.
Feeding redpolls through the North Dakota 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 North Dakota's winter: Severe winters to −30°F; Snow Buntings and redpolls arrive from the Arctic.
Frequently asked
Are redpolls in North Dakota year-round?
No. Common Redpolls are winter visitors in North Dakota and do not typically nest there.
What native plants attract redpolls in North Dakota?
Wild bergamot, Black-eyed Susan, Common sunflower, New England aster, Little bluestem, Tall goldenrod, Paper birch, Sugar maple are native plants in North Dakota that provide food or cover for redpolls.
Common Redpolls in other regions
Other backyard birds in North Dakota
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 — North Dakota
- 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.