Wyoming · Winter visitor

Common Redpolls in Wyoming

When redpolls are present in Wyoming, when they nest, which native Wyoming plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3a–5b yard.

Finches (Fringillidae)Common RedpollAcanthis flammea
Status in Wyoming
Winter visitor
Nesting window
Does not typically nest here
Hardiness zones
USDA 3a–5b

When to expect redpolls in Wyoming

In Wyoming, redpolls are winter visitors rather than breeders. Cold, very windy winters. While here they rely on birch seed and feeder nyjer.

Semi-arid high plains and basins with major mountain ranges; most towns lie above 5,000 ft.

Native Wyoming plants that attract redpolls

Of the regional native plants we track for Wyoming, 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.

Rocky Mountain bee plant
Cleome serrulata · Perennial

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

Rabbitbrush
Ericameria nauseosa · Shrub

Late-season bloom supports insects; seed for sparrows.

Feeding redpolls through the Wyoming 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 Wyoming's winter: Cold, very windy winters.

Full diet breakdown for redpolls · Best feeder for redpolls

Frequently asked

Are redpolls in Wyoming year-round?

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

What native plants attract redpolls in Wyoming?

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

Common Redpolls in other regions

Other backyard birds in Wyoming

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 — Wyoming
  5. USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
  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.