Common Redpolls breed further north than almost any other finch, breeding as far north as the northern coast of Alaska. Their breeding habitat consists of the sub-arctic forests as well as shrubby areas and open tundra.  They will migrate south from Canada every few years during the winter months.  Some years large numbers of the Redpolls will migrate to the northern United States and in other years they are nearly absent. These irregular migrations are thought to be tied to the lack of wild seeds on their normal breeding range during harsh winters.  This is in contrast to insect eating birds like Warblers, Vireos, and Flycatchers, which have no choice but to migrate as their food supply always disappears during the winter months.   Migrations are global in nature and have been recorded in Europe and Asia as well as the United States.  By mid-March they start to return north.  

Redpolls are well adapted to the cold weather.   They have a sac in their esophagus similar to the crops of other birds.  This allows them to knock the seeds from the plant and quickly gather them from the snow covered ground.  The bird will then fly to a sheltered area where it can consume the seeds at its leisure.  While thus perched it will puff out its feathers to further reduce heat loss.

The birds come in flocks during the winter irruptions that sometimes number over 100 birds.  These flocks move as if of one mind.  If one flies they all fly. Where one stops to eat they all stop to eat.  During courtship the female will droop her wings and crouch while twittering before the male who stands stiffly before her and bows. 

A clutch consists of 4 to 6 pale green eggs, spotted with reddish-brown.  They are laid in a well-made cup woven by the female from grass, moss and twigs and lined with fine plant materials. The nests are often placed low in a willow or birch tree.  The eggs are incubated by the female for about 10 days while the male brings food to the nest.  The young leave the nest 12 to 14 days after hatching.

Common Redpolls often frequent bird feeders by mid-winter where they prefer niger and sunflower seeds.  Redpolls are social birds and are always chattering among themselves.  As they have little contact with humans across their breeding territory they usually show little fear of humans. Common Redpolls are the friendliest and tamest bird you will ever encounter in your backyard.  These tiny birds will quickly come to your hand for food.  Even if you have no food to offer, they will happily land on and walk across your body - especially if you are sitting or lying on the ground.

The diet consists mainly of seeds especially, birch, alder and willow seeds and smaller amounts of fruits and berries.  They tend to feed on the ground more often than most finches especially in dense stands of weeds.  They also add insects to their summer diet.

Length 5 inches.