American Tree Sparrows in Northwest Territories
When American tree sparrows are present in Northwest Territories, when they nest, which native Northwest Territories plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 0a–1a yard.
- Status in Northwest Territories
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- July
- Broods
- 1 per season
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 0a–1a
When to expect American tree sparrows in Northwest Territories
American Tree Sparrows are summer residents in Northwest Territories, arriving shortly before nesting begins in July and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on insects on the tundra.
Subarctic boreal forest in the south, Arctic tundra in the north.
Nesting in Northwest Territories
Across Northwest Territories, American tree sparrows typically nest from July. Nest site: cup on the ground in tundra shrubs. Females lay 4–6 eggs, incubate for 11–13 days, and young leave the nest after 8–10 days.
Brief summers with midnight sun.
- American Tree Sparrows don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as paper birch, willow (bebb), dwarf birch for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native Northwest Territories plants that attract American tree sparrows
Of the regional native plants we track for Northwest Territories, these 4 provide food or cover American tree sparrows use:
Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.
Early catkins draw insects for arriving warblers and hummingbirds.
Catkin seed for redpolls on the tundra.
Tall magenta spikes are a key northern hummingbird flower.
Feeding American tree sparrows through the Northwest Territories year
A winter-only visitor to most of the U.S.; forages in weedy fields and under feeders.
- Best foods: Millet, Hulled sunflower.
- In Northwest Territories's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Full diet breakdown for American tree sparrows · Best feeder for American tree sparrows
Frequently asked
Are American tree sparrows in Northwest Territories year-round?
No. American Tree Sparrows are summer breeders in Northwest Territories and leave for the winter.
When do American tree sparrows nest in Northwest Territories?
Nesting in Northwest Territories typically runs July, with 1 per season. Clutches are 4–6 eggs, incubated for 11–13 days.
What native plants attract American tree sparrows in Northwest Territories?
Paper birch, Willow (Bebb), Dwarf birch, Fireweed are native plants in Northwest Territories that provide food or cover for American tree sparrows.
American Tree Sparrows in other regions
Other backyard birds in Northwest Territories
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 — Northwest Territories
- Plant Hardiness Zones of Canada — Natural Resources Canada
- 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.