American Tree Sparrows in Oregon
When American tree sparrows are present in Oregon, when they nest, which native Oregon plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 4b–9b yard.
- Status in Oregon
- Winter visitor
- Nesting window
- Does not typically nest here
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4b–9b
When to expect American tree sparrows in Oregon
In Oregon, American tree sparrows are winter visitors rather than breeders. Mild, rainy winters in the Willamette Valley; cold, snowy winters east of the Cascades. While here they rely on grass and weed seeds.
Marine west-coast climate west of the Cascades; high desert to the east.
Native Oregon plants that attract American tree sparrows
Of the regional native plants we track for Oregon, 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 Oregon year
A winter-only visitor to most of the U.S.; forages in weedy fields and under feeders.
- Best foods: Millet, Hulled sunflower.
- In Oregon's winter: Mild, rainy winters in the Willamette Valley; cold, snowy winters east of the Cascades.
Full diet breakdown for American tree sparrows · Best feeder for American tree sparrows
Frequently asked
Are American tree sparrows in Oregon year-round?
No. American Tree Sparrows are winter visitors in Oregon and do not typically nest there.
What native plants attract American tree sparrows in Oregon?
Wild bergamot, Black-eyed Susan, Common sunflower, Little bluestem, Tall goldenrod, Paper birch, Rocky Mountain bee plant, Rabbitbrush are native plants in Oregon that provide food or cover for American tree sparrows.
American Tree Sparrows in other regions
Other backyard birds in Oregon
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 — Oregon
- 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.