Saskatchewan · Winter visitor

Common Redpolls in Saskatchewan

When redpolls are present in Saskatchewan, when they nest, which native Saskatchewan plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 1a–3b yard.

Finches (Fringillidae)Common RedpollAcanthis flammea
Status in Saskatchewan
Winter visitor
Nesting window
Does not typically nest here
Hardiness zones
Canada 1a–3b

When to expect redpolls in Saskatchewan

In Saskatchewan, redpolls are winter visitors rather than breeders. Very cold, dry winters. While here they rely on birch seed and feeder nyjer.

Continental — prairie in the south, boreal forest in the north.

Native Saskatchewan plants that attract redpolls

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

Wild bergamot
Monarda fistulosa · Perennial

Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.

Black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta · Perennial

Prolific seed heads for finches and sparrows.

Common sunflower
Helianthus annuus · Perennial

Annual native sunflower — the original feeder seed.

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.

Rocky Mountain bee plant
Cleome serrulata · Perennial

Nectar-rich in summer, seed for finches in fall.

Feeding redpolls through the Saskatchewan 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 Saskatchewan's winter: Very cold, dry winters.

Full diet breakdown for redpolls · Best feeder for redpolls

Frequently asked

Are redpolls in Saskatchewan year-round?

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

What native plants attract redpolls in Saskatchewan?

Wild bergamot, Black-eyed Susan, Common sunflower, New England aster, Little bluestem, Tall goldenrod, Paper birch, Rocky Mountain bee plant are native plants in Saskatchewan that provide food or cover for redpolls.

Common Redpolls in other regions

Other backyard birds in Saskatchewan

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 — Saskatchewan
  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.