The Common Redpoll (Acanthis flammea) is native to the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in the colder Arctic and subarctic regions. Its geographical distribution includes parts of North America, Europe, and Asia. In North America, redpolls are commonly found in Alaska, Canada, and the northern contiguous United States. In Europe, they are distributed across the Scandinavian Peninsula, and in Asia, their range extends through northern Russia and Siberia.

Common Redpolls inhabit open coniferous forests and tundra regions. They are highly adapted to cold environments and are typically found in areas with cold climates, often associated with birch and alder swamps or fringes of boreal forests. During winter, they may migrate slightly southward to temperate areas where the climate is still cold but less severe.

Acanthis flammea primarily feeds on seeds from birch and alder trees, fulfilling its ecological role as a seed disperser. Their highly social nature and ability to forage in flocks make them key components in these chilly ecosystems, where they also help in controlling insect populations during breeding seasons by feeding on small insects.