Quebec · Winter visitor

American Tree Sparrows in Quebec

When American tree sparrows are present in Quebec, when they nest, which native Quebec plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 0a–5b yard.

New World sparrows (Passerellidae)American Tree SparrowSpizelloides arborea
Status in Quebec
Winter visitor
Nesting window
Does not typically nest here
Hardiness zones
Canada 0a–5b

When to expect American tree sparrows in Quebec

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

Humid continental in the St. Lawrence valley, boreal forest to the north, tundra in Nunavik.

Native Quebec plants that attract American tree sparrows

Of the regional native plants we track for Quebec, these 8 provide food or cover American tree sparrows use:

Wild bergamot
Monarda fistulosa · Perennial

Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.

Black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta · Perennial

Prolific seed heads for finches and sparrows.

New England aster
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae · Perennial

Late nectar for insects and fall seed for sparrows.

Little bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium · Perennial

Native bunchgrass; winter seed and ground cover for sparrows and juncos.

Tall goldenrod
Solidago altissima · Perennial

Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.

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.

Feeding American tree sparrows through the Quebec year

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

  • Best foods: Millet, Hulled sunflower.
  • In Quebec's winter: Long, cold, snowy winters.

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

Frequently asked

Are American tree sparrows in Quebec year-round?

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

What native plants attract American tree sparrows in Quebec?

Wild bergamot, Black-eyed Susan, New England aster, Little bluestem, Tall goldenrod, Paper birch, Sugar maple, Red maple are native plants in Quebec that provide food or cover for American tree sparrows.

American Tree Sparrows in other regions

Other backyard birds in Quebec

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 — Quebec
  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.