American Tree Sparrows in Minnesota
When American tree sparrows are present in Minnesota, when they nest, which native Minnesota plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3a–5b yard.
- Status in Minnesota
- Winter visitor
- Nesting window
- Does not typically nest here
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3a–5b
When to expect American tree sparrows in Minnesota
In Minnesota, American tree sparrows are winter visitors rather than breeders. Temperatures below 0°F are routine — heated water, suet and roost boxes are survival aids, not extras. While here they rely on grass and weed seeds.
Continental, with very cold winters and warm summers; prairie in the west, boreal forest in the northeast.
Native Minnesota plants that attract American tree sparrows
Of the regional native plants we track for Minnesota, these 8 provide food or cover American tree sparrows use:
Nectar and seed.
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.
Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.
Feeding American tree sparrows through the Minnesota year
A winter-only visitor to most of the U.S.; forages in weedy fields and under feeders.
- Best foods: Millet, Hulled sunflower.
- In Minnesota's winter: Temperatures below 0°F are routine — heated water, suet and roost boxes are survival aids, not extras.
Full diet breakdown for American tree sparrows · Best feeder for American tree sparrows
Frequently asked
Are American tree sparrows in Minnesota year-round?
No. American Tree Sparrows are winter visitors in Minnesota and do not typically nest there.
What native plants attract American tree sparrows in Minnesota?
Wild bergamot, Purple coneflower, Black-eyed Susan, Common sunflower, New England aster, Little bluestem, Tall goldenrod, Paper birch are native plants in Minnesota that provide food or cover for American tree sparrows.
American Tree Sparrows in other regions
Other backyard birds in Minnesota
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 — Minnesota
- 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.