New Hampshire · Winter visitor

American Tree Sparrows in New Hampshire

When American tree sparrows are present in New Hampshire, when they nest, which native New Hampshire plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3b–6a yard.

New World sparrows (Passerellidae)American Tree SparrowSpizelloides arborea
Status in New Hampshire
Winter visitor
Nesting window
Does not typically nest here
Hardiness zones
USDA 3b–6a

When to expect American tree sparrows in New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, American tree sparrows are winter visitors rather than breeders. Long, snowy winters; boreal species visit feeders in irruption years. While here they rely on grass and weed seeds.

Humid continental, with the White Mountains dividing the southern lowlands from northern forest.

Native New Hampshire plants that attract American tree sparrows

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

Wild bergamot
Monarda fistulosa · Perennial

Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.

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.

Paper birch
Betula papyrifera · Tree

Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all 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 New Hampshire year

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

  • Best foods: Millet, Hulled sunflower.
  • In New Hampshire's winter: Long, snowy winters; boreal species visit feeders in irruption years.

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

Frequently asked

Are American tree sparrows in New Hampshire year-round?

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

What native plants attract American tree sparrows in New Hampshire?

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

American Tree Sparrows in other regions

Other backyard birds in New Hampshire

Sources

  1. American Tree Sparrow — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  2. American Tree Sparrow life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  3. American Tree Sparrow — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
  4. eBird region overview and bar charts — New Hampshire
  5. USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
  6. 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.