Prince Edward Island · Winter visitor

American Tree Sparrows in Prince Edward Island

When American tree sparrows are present in Prince Edward Island, when they nest, which native Prince Edward Island plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 4b–5b yard.

New World sparrows (Passerellidae)American Tree SparrowSpizelloides arborea
Status in Prince Edward Island
Winter visitor
Nesting window
Does not typically nest here
Hardiness zones
Canada 4b–5b

When to expect American tree sparrows in Prince Edward Island

In Prince Edward Island, American tree sparrows are winter visitors rather than breeders. Snowy winters with sea ice offshore. While here they rely on grass and weed seeds.

Humid continental moderated by the Gulf of St. Lawrence; mostly farmland and mixed woods.

Native Prince Edward Island plants that attract American tree sparrows

Of the regional native plants we track for Prince Edward Island, these 7 provide food or cover American tree sparrows use:

Black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta · Perennial

Prolific seed heads for finches and sparrows.

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.

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 Prince Edward Island year

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

  • Best foods: Millet, Hulled sunflower.
  • In Prince Edward Island's winter: Snowy winters with sea ice offshore.

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

Frequently asked

Are American tree sparrows in Prince Edward Island year-round?

No. American Tree Sparrows are winter visitors in Prince Edward Island and do not typically nest there.

What native plants attract American tree sparrows in Prince Edward Island?

Black-eyed Susan, Paper birch, Sugar maple, Red maple, Willow (Bebb), Dwarf birch, Fireweed are native plants in Prince Edward Island that provide food or cover for American tree sparrows.

American Tree Sparrows in other regions

Other backyard birds in Prince Edward Island

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 — Prince Edward Island
  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.