American Tree Sparrows in Maine
When American tree sparrows are present in Maine, when they nest, which native Maine plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3b–6b yard.
- Status in Maine
- Winter visitor
- Nesting window
- Does not typically nest here
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3b–6b
When to expect American tree sparrows in Maine
In Maine, American tree sparrows are winter visitors rather than breeders. Long, snowy winters; boreal finches and Pine Grosbeaks irrupt south in poor cone years. While here they rely on grass and weed seeds.
Humid continental with a long, rocky Atlantic coast and extensive northern spruce-fir forest.
Native Maine plants that attract American tree sparrows
Of the regional native plants we track for Maine, 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.
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.
Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.
Hosts hundreds of caterpillar species; spring flowers draw early insects.
Among the first spring bloomers; early insects for returning migrants.
Feeding American tree sparrows through the Maine year
A winter-only visitor to most of the U.S.; forages in weedy fields and under feeders.
- Best foods: Millet, Hulled sunflower.
- In Maine's winter: Long, snowy winters; boreal finches and Pine Grosbeaks irrupt south in poor cone years.
Full diet breakdown for American tree sparrows · Best feeder for American tree sparrows
Frequently asked
Are American tree sparrows in Maine year-round?
No. American Tree Sparrows are winter visitors in Maine and do not typically nest there.
What native plants attract American tree sparrows in Maine?
Wild bergamot, Black-eyed Susan, New England aster, Little bluestem, Tall goldenrod, Paper birch, Sugar maple, Red maple are native plants in Maine that provide food or cover for American tree sparrows.
American Tree Sparrows in other regions
Other backyard birds in Maine
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 — Maine
- 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.