American Tree Sparrow
A northern winter visitor that often feeds on the ground in small, busy flocks around weedy edges and backyard seed.
By Birdly Yard Editorial TeamReviewed Updated
Local season
Months with a state-level historical signal for this species.
Status
Backyard reports
Look for it
Look under low feeders, in weedy fields, hedgerows, marsh edges, and snowy gardens with dense shrubs nearby.
Food
Mostly grass and weed seeds in winter, with berries, catkins, and more insects during its northern breeding season.
Nesting
Natural nesting guidance
One useful next step
Build for the habitat, not just the feeder.
Winter gardens, open woodland, hedgerows, weedy fields, and brushy edges; northern breeding habitat is tundra and shrubland.
See the yard actionsA good yard is layered
Food helps, but cover, clean water, native plants, and a safe distance from hazards make a more dependable place for birds.
American Tree Sparrow habitat
Winter gardens, open woodland, hedgerows, weedy fields, and brushy edges; northern breeding habitat is tundra and shrubland.
American Tree Sparrow diet and food
Mostly grass and weed seeds in winter, with berries, catkins, and more insects during its northern breeding season.
Offer small seed such as millet on a clean ground tray or low platform beside cover, and keep water available in freezing weather.
How to attract it
Food & feeder
Mostly grass and weed seeds in winter, with berries, catkins, and more insects during its northern breeding season.
Cover & plants
Winter gardens, open woodland, hedgerows, weedy fields, and brushy edges; northern breeding habitat is tundra and shrubland.
American Tree Sparrow nesting and breeding
Breeds far north in a ground or near-ground cup nest, often at the base of a shrub; its backyard season is usually winter only.
American Tree Sparrow behavior and where to look
Scratches and pecks at the ground in small flocks, hopping onto bent weed stems or low branches for seeds and berries.
Photography
Photograph from a quiet window or chair near a low feeder and let the flock settle naturally.
What to avoid
Keep feeding areas clean and do not expect this winter sparrow to breed in most residential yards.
Continue exploring
Explore related bird guides
Compare food, habitat and nesting. Local seasonal records vary by species.
