Pennsylvania · Winter visitor

Common Redpolls in Pennsylvania

When redpolls are present in Pennsylvania, when they nest, which native Pennsylvania plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 5a–7b yard.

Finches (Fringillidae)Common RedpollAcanthis flammea

Status in Pennsylvania: Winter visitor
Nesting window: Does not typically nest here
Hardiness zones: USDA 5a–7b

When to expect redpolls in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, redpolls are winter visitors rather than breeders. Snow cover makes suet and heated water valuable; both chickadee species meet in a narrow hybrid zone across the south of the state. While here they rely on birch seed and feeder nyjer.

Humid continental; cold, snowy winters in the north and mountains, milder in the southeast.

Native Pennsylvania plants that attract redpolls

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

New England aster

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae · Perennial

Fall seed.

Wild bergamot

Monarda fistulosa · Perennial

Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.

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.

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.

Feeding redpolls through the Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania's winter: Snow cover makes suet and heated water valuable; both chickadee species meet in a narrow hybrid zone across the south of the state.

Full diet breakdown for redpolls · Best feeder for redpolls

Frequently asked

Are redpolls in Pennsylvania year-round?

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

What native plants attract redpolls in Pennsylvania?

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

Other backyard birds in Pennsylvania

Northern Cardinal Eastern Bluebird Black-capped Chickadee Carolina 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 Carolina Wren 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 Northern Mockingbird 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 Fox Sparrow

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.