American Tree Sparrows in Illinois
When American tree sparrows are present in Illinois, when they nest, which native Illinois plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 5a–7b yard.
- Status in Illinois
- Winter visitor
- Nesting window
- Does not typically nest here
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 5a–7b
When to expect American tree sparrows in Illinois
In Illinois, American tree sparrows are winter visitors rather than breeders. Cold, windy winters in the north; the southern tip is milder and hosts more wintering species. While here they rely on grass and weed seeds.
Humid continental, grading from the Lake Michigan shore and prairie north to the forested Shawnee Hills in the south.
Native Illinois plants that attract American tree sparrows
Of the regional native plants we track for Illinois, these 8 provide food or cover American tree sparrows use:
Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.
Leave seed heads up through winter for goldfinches.
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.
Hosts hundreds of caterpillar species; spring flowers draw early insects.
Feeding American tree sparrows through the Illinois year
A winter-only visitor to most of the U.S.; forages in weedy fields and under feeders.
- Best foods: Millet, Hulled sunflower.
- In Illinois's winter: Cold, windy winters in the north; the southern tip is milder and hosts more wintering species.
Full diet breakdown for American tree sparrows · Best feeder for American tree sparrows
Frequently asked
Are American tree sparrows in Illinois year-round?
No. American Tree Sparrows are winter visitors in Illinois and do not typically nest there.
What native plants attract American tree sparrows in Illinois?
Wild bergamot, Purple coneflower, Black-eyed Susan, Common sunflower, New England aster, Little bluestem, Tall goldenrod, Sugar maple are native plants in Illinois that provide food or cover for American tree sparrows.
American Tree Sparrows in other regions
Other backyard birds in Illinois
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 — Illinois
- 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.