American Tree Sparrows in Pennsylvania
When American tree sparrows are present in Pennsylvania, when they nest, which native Pennsylvania plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 5a–7b yard.
- Status in Pennsylvania
- Winter visitor
- Nesting window
- Does not typically nest here
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 5a–7b
When to expect American tree sparrows in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, American tree sparrows are winter visitors rather than breeders. Snow cover makes suet and heated water valuable; both chickadee species meet in a narrow hybrid zone across the south of the state. While here they rely on grass and weed seeds.
Humid continental; cold, snowy winters in the north and mountains, milder in the southeast.
Native Pennsylvania plants that attract American tree sparrows
Of the regional native plants we track for Pennsylvania, these 8 provide food or cover American tree sparrows use:
Fall seed.
Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.
Leave seed heads up through winter for goldfinches.
Prolific seed heads for finches and sparrows.
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.
Hosts hundreds of caterpillar species; spring flowers draw early insects.
Feeding American tree sparrows through the Pennsylvania year
A winter-only visitor to most of the U.S.; forages in weedy fields and under feeders.
- Best foods: Millet, Hulled sunflower.
- In Pennsylvania's winter: Snow cover makes suet and heated water valuable; both chickadee species meet in a narrow hybrid zone across the south of the state.
Full diet breakdown for American tree sparrows · Best feeder for American tree sparrows
Frequently asked
Are American tree sparrows in Pennsylvania year-round?
No. American Tree Sparrows are winter visitors in Pennsylvania and do not typically nest there.
What native plants attract American tree sparrows in Pennsylvania?
New England aster, Wild bergamot, Purple coneflower, Black-eyed Susan, Little bluestem, Tall goldenrod, Paper birch, Sugar maple are native plants in Pennsylvania that provide food or cover for American tree sparrows.
American Tree Sparrows in other regions
Other backyard birds in Pennsylvania
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 — Pennsylvania
- 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.