Hoary Redpoll in December
Where hoary redpolls are in December, whether they are nesting, and the best foods to offer right now.
December in the Hoary 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 Hoary Redpoll specifically, December is a winter month of relative routine, with the species settled into its seasonal pattern across its range. Across the 37 states and provinces where hoary redpolls occur, what the bird is doing this month depends heavily on latitude — the details below break it down by band.
Where hoary redpolls are in December
- Southern states
- absent
- Mid-latitudes
- year-round resident
- Northern states & Canada
- absent
In December, hoary redpolls are absent in the South, year-round resident 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
Hoary redpolls are not nesting in December. The season runs June–July at mid-latitudes.
Outside the nesting season, hoary 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
- Nyjer and weed seeds
The prize in any redpoll flock — scan large winter nyjer flocks for the palest, frostiest bird.
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 Hoary Redpoll diet guide → · Best feeder for hoary redpolls →
Watching hoary redpolls this month
Hoary 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 hoary redpolls are expected this month and which native plants hold them in a yard.
Hoary Redpoll month by month
Hoary Redpoll by state
Frequently asked
Where are hoary redpolls in December?
In December, hoary redpolls are absent in the South, year-round resident across mid-latitudes and absent in the North.
Do hoary redpolls nest in December?
No — hoary redpolls typically nest June through July at mid-latitudes.
What do hoary redpolls eat in December?
Nyjer and weed seeds.
Sources
- Hoary Redpoll — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Hoary Redpoll life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Hoary 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.