New York · Winter visitor

American Tree Sparrows in New York

When American tree sparrows are present in New York, when they nest, which native New York plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3b–7b yard.

New World sparrows (Passerellidae)American Tree SparrowSpizelloides arborea

Status in New York: Winter visitor
Nesting window: Does not typically nest here
Hardiness zones: USDA 3b–7b

When to expect American tree sparrows in New York

In New York, American tree sparrows are winter visitors rather than breeders. Long, snowy winters upstate; lake-effect snow belts make feeders and roost boxes important. While here they rely on grass and weed seeds.

Humid continental, from cold Adirondack highlands to the maritime-moderated coast of Long Island.

Native New York plants that attract American tree sparrows

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

Black-eyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta · Perennial

Fall seed.

Wild bergamot

Monarda fistulosa · Perennial

Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.

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 York 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 York's winter: Long, snowy winters upstate; lake-effect snow belts make feeders and roost boxes important.

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

Frequently asked

Are American tree sparrows in New York year-round?

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

What native plants attract American tree sparrows in New York?

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

Other backyard birds in New York

Northern Cardinal Eastern Bluebird Black-capped Chickadee Purple Martin Downy Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker American Goldfinch Tufted Titmouse White-breasted Nuthatch House Wren Blue Jay 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 Creeper Common Grackle Red-winged Blackbird Baltimore Oriole Orchard Oriole Rose-breasted Grosbeak Evening Grosbeak Pine Siskin Common Redpoll 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 Canada Jay 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.