American Tree Sparrows in Alaska
When American tree sparrows are present in Alaska, when they nest, which native Alaska plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 1a–8a yard.
- Status in Alaska
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- July
- Broods
- 1 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 1a–8a
When to expect American tree sparrows in Alaska
American Tree Sparrows are summer residents in Alaska, arriving shortly before nesting begins in July and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on insects on the tundra.
Subarctic interior, temperate rainforest in the Southeast panhandle, and Arctic tundra on the North Slope.
Nesting in Alaska
Across Alaska, American tree sparrows typically nest from July. Nest site: cup on the ground in tundra shrubs. Females lay 4–6 eggs, incubate for 11–13 days, and young leave the nest after 8–10 days.
A short, explosive summer with near-continuous daylight compresses nesting into a few weeks.
- American Tree Sparrows don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as paper birch, willow (bebb), dwarf birch for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native Alaska plants that attract American tree sparrows
Of the regional native plants we track for Alaska, these 4 provide food or cover American tree sparrows use:
Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.
Early catkins draw insects for arriving warblers and hummingbirds.
Catkin seed for redpolls on the tundra.
Tall magenta spikes are a key northern hummingbird flower.
Feeding American tree sparrows through the Alaska year
A winter-only visitor to most of the U.S.; forages in weedy fields and under feeders.
- Best foods: Millet, Hulled sunflower.
- In Alaska's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Full diet breakdown for American tree sparrows · Best feeder for American tree sparrows
Frequently asked
Are American tree sparrows in Alaska year-round?
No. American Tree Sparrows are summer breeders in Alaska and leave for the winter.
When do American tree sparrows nest in Alaska?
Nesting in Alaska typically runs July, with 1 per season. Clutches are 4–6 eggs, incubated for 11–13 days.
What native plants attract American tree sparrows in Alaska?
Paper birch, Willow (Bebb), Dwarf birch, Fireweed are native plants in Alaska that provide food or cover for American tree sparrows.
American Tree Sparrows in other regions
Other backyard birds in Alaska
Sources
- American Tree Sparrow — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- American Tree Sparrow life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- American Tree Sparrow — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Alaska
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- Audubon Native Plants Database
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.