Harris's Sparrow
A large, declining northern sparrow that is a special winter or migration visitor in the south-central Great Plains.
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 in shrubby pastures, hedgerows, fields, stream edges, and open feeding areas with brush piles nearby.
Food
Seeds, fruits, berries, plant material, buds, and insects, with seeds dominant through most of the nonbreeding season.
Nesting
Natural nesting guidance
One useful next step
Build for the habitat, not just the feeder.
Winter hedgerows, agricultural fields, backyards, and brushy stream edges; northern breeding habitat is semiforested tundra.
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.
Harris's Sparrow habitat
Winter hedgerows, agricultural fields, backyards, and brushy stream edges; northern breeding habitat is semiforested tundra.
Harris's Sparrow diet and food
Seeds, fruits, berries, plant material, buds, and insects, with seeds dominant through most of the nonbreeding season.
A ground or platform feeder with black-oil sunflower, millet, and cracked corn can help within its wintering range.
How to attract it
Food & feeder
Seeds, fruits, berries, plant material, buds, and insects, with seeds dominant through most of the nonbreeding season.
Cover & plants
Winter hedgerows, agricultural fields, backyards, and brushy stream edges; northern breeding habitat is semiforested tundra.
Harris's Sparrow nesting and breeding
Breeds far north in a ground cup set below low alder, spruce, dwarf birch, or other wind shelter.
Harris's Sparrow behavior and where to look
Often feeds openly, hopping and scratching on the ground or jumping to low branches; may travel in mixed sparrow flocks.
Photography
Stay seated near low cover and let a winter flock return to feed after it settles.
What to avoid
Keep feeding stations clean and recognize that this species is declining and depends on intact seasonal habitats.
Continue exploring
Explore related bird guides
Compare food, habitat and nesting. Local seasonal records vary by species.
