Maryland · Winter visitor

American Tree Sparrows in Maryland

When American tree sparrows are present in Maryland, when they nest, which native Maryland plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 6a–8a yard.

New World sparrows (Passerellidae)American Tree SparrowSpizelloides arborea

Status in Maryland: Winter visitor
Nesting window: Does not typically nest here
Hardiness zones: USDA 6a–8a

When to expect American tree sparrows in Maryland

In Maryland, American tree sparrows are winter visitors rather than breeders. Mild winters in the east with regular snow in the western mountains. While here they rely on grass and weed seeds.

Humid subtropical on the Chesapeake coastal plain, cooler in the Appalachian west.

Native Maryland plants that attract American tree sparrows

Of the regional native plants we track for Maryland, these 8 provide food or cover American tree sparrows use:

Wild bergamot

Monarda fistulosa · Perennial

Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.

Purple coneflower

Echinacea purpurea · Perennial

Leave seed heads up through winter for goldfinches.

Black-eyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta · Perennial

Prolific seed heads for finches and sparrows.

New England aster

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae · Perennial

Late nectar for insects and fall seed for sparrows.

Little bluestem

Schizachyrium scoparium · Perennial

Native bunchgrass; winter seed and ground cover for sparrows and juncos.

Tall goldenrod

Solidago altissima · Perennial

Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.

Sugar maple

Acer saccharum · Tree

Hosts hundreds of caterpillar species; spring flowers draw early insects.

Red maple

Acer rubrum · Tree

Among the first spring bloomers; early insects for returning migrants.

Feeding American tree sparrows through the Maryland year

A winter-only visitor to most of the U.S.; forages in weedy fields and under feeders.

Best foods: Millet, Hulled sunflower.
In Maryland's winter: Mild winters in the east with regular snow in the western mountains.

Full diet breakdown for American tree sparrows · Best feeder for American tree sparrows

Frequently asked

Are American tree sparrows in Maryland year-round?

No. American Tree Sparrows are winter visitors in Maryland and do not typically nest there.

What native plants attract American tree sparrows in Maryland?

Wild bergamot, Purple coneflower, Black-eyed Susan, New England aster, Little bluestem, Tall goldenrod, Sugar maple, Red maple are native plants in Maryland that provide food or cover for American tree sparrows.

Other backyard birds in Maryland

Northern Cardinal Eastern Bluebird Carolina Chickadee Purple Martin Downy Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker American Goldfinch Tufted Titmouse White-breasted Nuthatch House Wren House Finch Purple Finch Ruby-throated Hummingbird Carolina Wren Mourning Dove American Robin Dark-eyed Junco White-throated Sparrow Song Sparrow Chipping Sparrow Red-bellied Woodpecker Northern Flicker Pileated Woodpecker Red-headed Woodpecker Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Red-breasted Nuthatch Brown-headed Nuthatch Brown Creeper Common Grackle Red-winged Blackbird Baltimore Oriole Orchard Oriole Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pine Siskin Indigo Bunting Eastern Towhee Gray Catbird Northern Mockingbird Brown Thrasher Cedar Waxwing Tree Swallow Barn Swallow Eastern Phoebe Chimney Swift Yellow-rumped Warbler Pine Warbler Eastern Screech-Owl Wood Thrush Great Crested Flycatcher Eastern Kingbird House Sparrow European Starling White-crowned Sparrow Fox Sparrow

Sources

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.