Common Redpolls in Northwest Territories
When redpolls are present in Northwest Territories, when they nest, which native Northwest Territories plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 0a–1a yard.
- Status in Northwest Territories
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- July
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 0a–1a
When to expect redpolls in Northwest Territories
Common Redpolls are summer residents in Northwest Territories, 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.
Subarctic boreal forest in the south, Arctic tundra in the north.
Nesting in Northwest Territories
Across Northwest Territories, 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.
Brief summers with midnight sun.
- Common Redpolls don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as paper birch, willow (bebb), dwarf birch for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native Northwest Territories plants that attract redpolls
Of the regional native plants we track for Northwest Territories, these 4 provide food or cover redpolls use:
Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.
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 Northwest Territories 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 Northwest Territories's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Frequently asked
Are redpolls in Northwest Territories year-round?
No. Common Redpolls are summer breeders in Northwest Territories and leave for the winter.
When do redpolls nest in Northwest Territories?
Nesting in Northwest Territories typically runs July, with 1–2 per season. Clutches are 4–5 eggs, incubated for 10–11 days.
What native plants attract redpolls in Northwest Territories?
Paper birch, Willow (Bebb), Dwarf birch, Fireweed are native plants in Northwest Territories that provide food or cover for redpolls.
Common Redpolls in other regions
Other backyard birds in Northwest Territories
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 — Northwest Territories
- 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.