The Common Redpoll is a short-distance migrant whose winter habits are governed entirely by the seed supply, and in the south it is seen above all in winter.
Flocks: in winter Common Redpolls hang acrobatically in the tops of birches and alders to pick seeds, often in lively flocks.
Food: birch and alder seeds are the staple food, supplemented with buds, and at bird tables niger seeds and small sunflower seeds are taken.
Irruptions: in some winters with a poor seed supply in the north, large flocks head south and can then be seen throughout the country.
The species is therefore at its most numerous in the south from October to April, often at alder cones bearing seed.