American Tree Sparrows in Montana
When American tree sparrows are present in Montana, when they nest, which native Montana plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3a–6a yard.
- Status in Montana
- Winter visitor
- Nesting window
- Does not typically nest here
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3a–6a
When to expect American tree sparrows in Montana
In Montana, American tree sparrows are winter visitors rather than breeders. Very cold winters on the plains, with chinook winds bringing sudden thaws. While here they rely on grass and weed seeds.
Continental — Rocky Mountain forest in the west, semi-arid Great Plains in the east.
Native Montana plants that attract American tree sparrows
Of the regional native plants we track for Montana, 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 Montana year
A winter-only visitor to most of the U.S.; forages in weedy fields and under feeders.
- Best foods: Millet, Hulled sunflower.
- In Montana's winter: Very cold winters on the plains, with chinook winds bringing sudden thaws.
Full diet breakdown for American tree sparrows · Best feeder for American tree sparrows
Frequently asked
Are American tree sparrows in Montana year-round?
No. American Tree Sparrows are winter visitors in Montana and do not typically nest there.
What native plants attract American tree sparrows in Montana?
Wild bergamot, Black-eyed Susan, Common sunflower, Little bluestem, Tall goldenrod, Paper birch, Rocky Mountain bee plant, Rabbitbrush are native plants in Montana that provide food or cover for American tree sparrows.
American Tree Sparrows in other regions
Other backyard birds in Montana
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 — Montana
- 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.