American Tree Sparrows in Idaho
When American tree sparrows are present in Idaho, when they nest, which native Idaho plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3b–7b yard.
- Status in Idaho
- Winter visitor
- Nesting window
- Does not typically nest here
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3b–7b
When to expect American tree sparrows in Idaho
In Idaho, American tree sparrows are winter visitors rather than breeders. Cold winters with inversions in the valleys; mountain finches and Bohemian Waxwings move into towns. While here they rely on grass and weed seeds.
Semi-arid sagebrush plains along the Snake River and forested mountains to the north and center.
Native Idaho plants that attract American tree sparrows
Of the regional native plants we track for Idaho, 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.
Native bunchgrass; winter seed and ground cover for sparrows and juncos.
Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.
Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.
Nectar-rich in summer, seed for finches in fall.
Late-season bloom supports insects; seed for sparrows.
Feeding American tree sparrows through the Idaho year
A winter-only visitor to most of the U.S.; forages in weedy fields and under feeders.
- Best foods: Millet, Hulled sunflower.
- In Idaho's winter: Cold winters with inversions in the valleys; mountain finches and Bohemian Waxwings move into towns.
Full diet breakdown for American tree sparrows · Best feeder for American tree sparrows
Frequently asked
Are American tree sparrows in Idaho year-round?
No. American Tree Sparrows are winter visitors in Idaho and do not typically nest there.
What native plants attract American tree sparrows in Idaho?
Wild bergamot, Black-eyed Susan, Common sunflower, Little bluestem, Tall goldenrod, Paper birch, Rocky Mountain bee plant, Rabbitbrush are native plants in Idaho that provide food or cover for American tree sparrows.
American Tree Sparrows in other regions
Other backyard birds in Idaho
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 — Idaho
- 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.