Newfoundland and Labrador · Winter visitor

American Tree Sparrows in Newfoundland and Labrador

When American tree sparrows are present in Newfoundland and Labrador, when they nest, which native Newfoundland and Labrador plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 0a–6b yard.

New World sparrows (Passerellidae)American Tree SparrowSpizelloides arborea
Status in Newfoundland and Labrador
Winter visitor
Nesting window
Does not typically nest here
Hardiness zones
Canada 0a–6b

When to expect American tree sparrows in Newfoundland and Labrador

In Newfoundland and Labrador, American tree sparrows are winter visitors rather than breeders. Long, snowy, windy winters. While here they rely on grass and weed seeds.

Cool maritime on the island of Newfoundland; subarctic in Labrador.

Native Newfoundland and Labrador plants that attract American tree sparrows

Of the regional native plants we track for Newfoundland and Labrador, these 5 provide food or cover American tree sparrows use:

Paper birch
Betula papyrifera · Tree

Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.

Red maple
Acer rubrum · Tree

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

Willow (Bebb)
Salix bebbiana · Shrub

Early catkins draw insects for arriving warblers and hummingbirds.

Dwarf birch
Betula glandulosa · Shrub

Catkin seed for redpolls on the tundra.

Fireweed
Chamaenerion angustifolium · Perennial

Tall magenta spikes are a key northern hummingbird flower.

Feeding American tree sparrows through the Newfoundland and Labrador year

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

  • Best foods: Millet, Hulled sunflower.
  • In Newfoundland and Labrador's winter: Long, snowy, windy winters.

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

Frequently asked

Are American tree sparrows in Newfoundland and Labrador year-round?

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

What native plants attract American tree sparrows in Newfoundland and Labrador?

Paper birch, Red maple, Willow (Bebb), Dwarf birch, Fireweed are native plants in Newfoundland and Labrador that provide food or cover for American tree sparrows.

American Tree Sparrows in other regions

Other backyard birds in Newfoundland and Labrador

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 — Newfoundland and Labrador
  5. Plant Hardiness Zones of Canada — Natural Resources Canada
  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.