Common Redpolls in Washington
When redpolls are present in Washington, when they nest, which native Washington plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 4a–9a yard.
- Status in Washington
- Winter visitor
- Nesting window
- Does not typically nest here
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4a–9a
When to expect redpolls in Washington
In Washington, redpolls are winter visitors rather than breeders. Mild, wet winters on the Puget Sound; cold winters in the east. While here they rely on birch seed and feeder nyjer.
Marine west-coast climate west of the Cascades, semi-arid shrub-steppe to the east.
Native Washington plants that attract redpolls
Of the regional native plants we track for Washington, 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.
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.
Nectar-rich in summer, seed for finches in fall.
Late-season bloom supports insects; seed for sparrows.
Feeding redpolls through the Washington 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 Washington's winter: Mild, wet winters on the Puget Sound; cold winters in the east.
Frequently asked
Are redpolls in Washington year-round?
No. Common Redpolls are winter visitors in Washington and do not typically nest there.
What native plants attract redpolls in Washington?
Wild bergamot, Black-eyed Susan, Common sunflower, Little bluestem, Tall goldenrod, Paper birch, Rocky Mountain bee plant, Rabbitbrush are native plants in Washington that provide food or cover for redpolls.
Common Redpolls in other regions
Other backyard birds in Washington
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 — Washington
- 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.