American Tree Sparrows in Colorado
When American tree sparrows are present in Colorado, when they nest, which native Colorado plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3a–7b yard.
- Status in Colorado
- Winter visitor
- Nesting window
- Does not typically nest here
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3a–7b
When to expect American tree sparrows in Colorado
In Colorado, American tree sparrows are winter visitors rather than breeders. Cold snaps alternate with sunny, dry thaws; heated baths are valuable because natural water freezes nightly. While here they rely on grass and weed seeds.
Semi-arid high plains in the east and the Rocky Mountains through the center, with most backyards between 5,000 and 7,000 ft.
Native Colorado plants that attract American tree sparrows
Of the regional native plants we track for Colorado, these 8 provide food or cover American tree sparrows use:
Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.
Prolific seed heads for finches and sparrows.
Annual native sunflower — the original feeder seed.
Late nectar for insects and fall seed for sparrows.
Native bunchgrass; winter seed and ground cover for sparrows and juncos.
Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.
Nectar-rich in summer, seed for finches in fall.
Late-season bloom supports insects; seed for sparrows.
Feeding American tree sparrows through the Colorado year
A winter-only visitor to most of the U.S.; forages in weedy fields and under feeders.
- Best foods: Millet, Hulled sunflower.
- In Colorado's winter: Cold snaps alternate with sunny, dry thaws; heated baths are valuable because natural water freezes nightly.
Full diet breakdown for American tree sparrows · Best feeder for American tree sparrows
Frequently asked
Are American tree sparrows in Colorado year-round?
No. American Tree Sparrows are winter visitors in Colorado and do not typically nest there.
What native plants attract American tree sparrows in Colorado?
Wild bergamot, Black-eyed Susan, Common sunflower, New England aster, Little bluestem, Tall goldenrod, Rocky Mountain bee plant, Rabbitbrush are native plants in Colorado that provide food or cover for American tree sparrows.
American Tree Sparrows in other regions
Other backyard birds in Colorado
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 — Colorado
- 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.