Common Redpoll in December
Where redpolls are in December, whether they are nesting, and the best foods to offer right now.
December in the Common Redpoll's year
December is the start of the true winter season. Birds are settled into winter ranges and flocking behavior peaks — mixed flocks move through woods and yards together, and feeding stations become social hubs. Short days mean birds must find most of their food in a few hours of daylight.
For the Common Redpoll specifically, December is a winter month of relative routine, with the species settled into its seasonal pattern across its range. Across the 29 states and provinces where redpolls occur, what the bird is doing this month depends heavily on latitude — the details below break it down by band.
Where redpolls are in December
- Southern states
- absent
- Mid-latitudes
- winter visitor
- Northern states & Canada
- absent
In December, redpolls are absent in the South, winter visitor across the mid-latitudes, and absent in the northern states and Canada. That north–south split is the defining feature of this month: where you live changes which version of this bird you're looking at.
Nesting in December
Redpolls are not nesting in December. The season runs June–July at mid-latitudes.
Outside the nesting season, redpolls put their energy into feeding and flocking rather than territory and young — which is exactly what makes them easier to watch and attract this month.
What to feed in December
- Birch seed and feeder nyjer
Redpolls survive −60°F nights with a throat pouch that stores seed; they arrive at feeders in irruption winters.
Feeders are busiest at dawn and dusk as birds fuel up against long cold nights. Suet and other high-fat foods earn their keep this month.
Full Common Redpoll diet guide → · Best feeder for redpolls →
Watching redpolls this month
Redpolls are settled and predictable in December, which makes this a good month to learn the bird's routine — same feeders, same perches, same times of day.
The state guides below show exactly where in your region redpolls are expected this month and which native plants hold them in a yard.
Common Redpoll month by month
Common Redpoll by state
Frequently asked
Where are redpolls in December?
In December, redpolls are absent in the South, winter visitor across mid-latitudes and absent in the North.
Do redpolls nest in December?
No — redpolls typically nest June through July at mid-latitudes.
What do redpolls eat in December?
Birch seed and feeder nyjer.
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
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.